I-5 Flashcards
Describe the ‘New Immigrants.’
Often unskilled, poor Catholic or Jewish> settled in cities
Many came alone> planned to save money in return home
From: Italy, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Russian- Southern Europe
Describe the ‘Old Immigrants.’
1840-1865> Protestants from north & south Europe- come as families to settle on farms w/ family or friends who came before
1840/1850> German & Irish Catholics ( Americans were prejudice towards Catholics) & often skilled- came as families
Identify several ‘Push Factors.’
1880> Mexico, Poland, China- land reform & low prices forced farmers of their land
1840> China & eastern Europe- experienced repeated wats & political revolutions-> disrupted economics & left political refugees
1880> Russian & eastern European Jews fled religious persecution
Identify several ‘Pull Factors.’
USA> vague hope of opportunity, special attraction-plentiful land
1862 Homestead Act> aid from railroad companies made westward farmland inexpensive
Chain immigrants, Religious + political freedom
Describe the conditions faced by many immigrants in steerage.
Rough weather= seasickness= breeding ground for illness
Lower deck= no privacy
How were the experiences of immigrants different at Angel island?
Formidable & seemingly designed to filter out Chinese immigrants
After 1882> Chinese travelers were turned away unless they could prove they were American citizens or had relatives in America- held for weeks or months in poor conditions
Identify several challenges faced by immigrants upon arrival.
- Where to settle
- How to find work
- Learning a new language & custom
- Hostility from nativists
How did urban ghettos provide comfort to some immigrants?
People shared their native language, religion, culture-> neighbors may come from same country, region, or village
Neighborhoods> specialty shops, grocers, clothing stores- culture immigrants left
What is ironic about the attitudes of nativists?
They are the children & grandchildren of immigrants themseles
Why did some Americans want to restrict immigrantion?
- Nativism
- Competition for jobs & housing> fueled resentment
- Religious & culture difference sparked suspicion
How did immigrants transform the American economy & culture?
- Fueled industrialization growth
- Acquired citizenship
- Elected politicians
- Their traditions+American culture
- Developed effective ranching techniques
- Built railroads
