Free at Last Flashcards
What are Civil Rights?
The broad range of rights and freedoms that the people of a free and democratic state are entitled to expect
Civil rights in the USA have historically been denied to immigrants and different ethnic groups.
What time period saw significant achievements in the struggle for civil rights in the USA?
The years from 1918 to 1968
This period is noted for both progress and ongoing struggles for civil rights.
List reasons why people moved to America in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- To escape poverty at home
- To escape war
- Hope for better living conditions
- Hope for more jobs
- Hope for better wages
- Belief that they could become anything they wanted to be
- Hope for better education for children
- Seeking better weather/climate
Fill in the blank: Many people in Europe emigrated to America in hope of a better _______.
Life
True or False: The struggle for civil rights in the USA has been completely won.
False
What was a common hope for immigrants regarding their children’s future?
Better education for children
This reflects the aspirations of many immigrants for improved opportunities for their offspring.
What is the Open Door Policy?
The American government adopted an ‘open door’ policy on immigration, allowing any immigrants to enter America
This policy aimed to encourage immigration and support the idea of America as a land of opportunity.
What does the term ‘American Dream’ refer to?
The belief that anyone could work hard and be successful in America
The American Dream is a foundational concept that attracts many immigrants to the USA.
What is meant by the term ‘Melting Pot’?
The idea that different immigrant groups would mix together and become Americans
This concept reflects the cultural assimilation expected in American society.
By what year had the population of the USA exceeded 100 million?
By 1920
This rapid population growth was largely due to immigration.
Who are considered ‘Old Immigrants’?
Immigrants from Northern European countries such as Britain, Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia
Old immigrants were generally educated, skilled workers, and many spoke English.
Who are considered ‘New Immigrants’?
Immigrants from Southern and Eastern European countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Russia
New immigrants were generally poorer and often lacked English skills.
What are Push factors in immigration?
Factors that pushed people out of their countries
Examples include war, poverty, and lack of rights.
What are Pull factors in immigration?
Factors that encouraged people to move to America
Examples include jobs available, higher wages, and religious freedom.
Fill in the blank: One reason for mass immigration to the USA was _______.
To escape war
Fill in the blank: Many people moved to the USA to escape _______.
Poverty
List three Push factors for immigration to the USA.
- War
- Poverty
- Lack of rights
List three Pull factors for immigration to the USA.
- Higher wages
- Jobs available
- Religious Freedom
True or False: New immigrants were generally more skilled than Old immigrants.
False
New immigrants were generally poorer and had less education.
What was one significant consequence of the mass migration to the USA by 1918?
Increased cultural diversity and population growth in America
This migration significantly shaped American society.
Explain why cheap land was a Pull factor for immigration.
It offered opportunities for farming and ownership, attracting many immigrants seeking a better life
The availability of land was particularly appealing to those from overcrowded regions.
What does persecution mean?
Discrimination
Persecution refers to the mistreatment of individuals or groups based on their identity or beliefs.
Define slum.
Area of extremely poor quality housing
Slums are typically characterized by overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
What is a strike?
When employees refuse to work to earn better conditions from their employer
Strikes are often a form of protest against unfair labor practices.