IMMIGRATION AND URBANIZATION

Immigration in America

Immigrants come to America to find a better life

Immigration also increased the Industrial Boom!

Majority came from Britain, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Russia, China, and Japan From 1866-1915 25

million immigrants came over

Immigration in America

Most arrive in steamships Often travel in cargo holds 1 week across the Atlantic and a 3-week journey across the Pacific “Oh God, I was sick. Everybody was sick. I don’t even want to

remember anything about that old boat. One night I prayed to God that it would go down because the waves were washing over it. I was that sick, I didn’t care if it went down or not.” - Bertha Devlin, an Irish immigrant 1923

Conditions on the steamships were very poor and overcrowded. They were not allowed on deck, slept in louse-infested bunks, shared toilets, and in such conditions disease spread quickly. Some even died before they reached America.

Immigrants traveling to the United States

Ellis Island

Main immigration station on the East Coast

Nearly 11,000 people entered the US at Ellis Island each day

Immigrants had to pass several tests before they were allowed to stay in America Physical exam (5 hours),

government inspections, literacy tests, ability to work, money to get started, etc.

Quotes from Immigrants coming through Ellis Island

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/stop5.htm (separation)

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/stop9.htm ($20)

Liberty Enlightening the World

The Statue of Liberty greeted those entering Ellis Island.

Designed by Frederick Bartholdi, the skeletal framework within the monument was made by Alexandre Eiffle His mother is believed to be the

model A gift from France to

symbolize our alliance during the American Revolution. The people of France financed the statue itself while Americans financed the pedestal and island.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was unveiled October 28th, 1886

“Lady Liberty” portrays a woman escaping the chains of tyranny Torch – liberty Tablet – The date of our

independence is inscribed 7 Spikes on her crown – 7

seas and continents

Project cost $87 million and took 2 years to complete http://teacher.scholastic.com

/activities/immigration/tour/stop2.htm

Angel Island

Main immigration station on the West Coast

Immigrants were treated more harshly here because of their Asian descent Difficult questioning Filthy buildings Confined liked

prisoners until their fate was decided

Anti-Asian Sentiment

Native-born workers in the West feared their jobs would go to the Chinese, who would accept lower wages.

1882 Chinese Exclusion Act Banned entry to all Chinese

except students, teachers, merchants, tourists, and government officials

In 1902 Chinese immigration was restricted indefinitely

Anti-Asian Sentiment

San Francisco segregated Japanese in school.

Gentlemen’s Agreement – Japan would limit emigration of unskilled workers to America, if San Francisco repeals its segregation order.

Culture Shock

Confusion and anxiety caused by a new culture and language

Immigrants from places like Russia, Italy, China, and Japan were generally not well liked. Why? Previous country had yet to

experience Industrial Revolution

Ethnic communities formed to help immigrants cope (like little Italy) Speak native language Learn new customs together

Melting Pot

The US becomes known as a melting pot Immigrant groups

assimilate into the dominant culture

Some argue that we are now a salad bowl instead of a melting pot. Why do you think

that is?

Urbanization = rapid growth of cities

Many move to the cities because of more opportunities and cheaper living

Urbanization

Urbanization

6 major problems associated with urbanization:

Housing – Overcrowded, unsanitary, 2-3 families living in a single home

Transportation – Develop public transportation to help; cable cars, subways

Urbanization

Water – Begin chlorinating water in 1893 to make it safer to drink

Sanitation – Animal and human waste, pollution, garbage piled in streets. Create sanitation departments and sewage lines.

Fire – Limited water supply and wood dwellings Cincinnati creates the 1st paid

fire department in 1853 Crime – Pickpockets, thieves,

con men, gangs New York city creates the

first police department in 1844

Sanitation Problems

Political Machines

Control enough votes to maintain political and administrative control of the city Often led by one person

“Boss” behind the scenes Offer services to citizens

and businesses in exchange for financial or political support City jobs or contracts Political Appointments Help immigrants gain

citizenship

Political Machines

Political Machines had control over political offices and city jobs Fire, Police,

Sanitation, Etc. Bosses also took

large amounts of “graft” or kickbacks Falsified bills and

accepted bribes

The Tweed Ring

Led by William Marcy Tweed

Controlled New York City (Tammany Hall)

Illegally took $200 million in graft

A Political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, helped expose Tweed Resulted in Tweeds

arrest

The Merit System

Reformers called for an end to the Spoils System Giving government jobs to those who helped them

win election The Pendleton Act:

Required jobs in civil service to be based on qualifications, not political connections