USA --> Immigration and "The Melting Pot" in the 1920s Flashcards
What was the concept of “The Melting Pot” in 1920s America?
America = diverse immigrant population,
Immigrants blended / stirred together to lose their old identity and become Americans
Who were the old immigrants, and what did they often have in common?
1) Old immigrants (from northern and western Europe)
2) known as WASPS (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants)
3) held the best jobs, most money, significant political power
How were Native Americans affected by immigration?
faced displacement due to waves of immigration from 1850 to 1890
Some lived in reservations, maintaining their traditional ways, while others adapted into society.
Who were the Southern and Eastern European immigrants, and why did they come to America?
included Poles, Russians, and Italians, arrived in the late 19th century
escaping persecution and poverty
many were Jews or Catholics and faced mistreatment in the U.S.
Who were the Asian immigrants, and what roles did they play in the U.S.?
including Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans
concentrated on the West Coast, particularly as low-income laborers and construction contributing to the development of West Coast cities and the construction of railroads.
Who were the Hispanic immigrants, and what roles did they take on in the U.S.?
People from South America and Mexico sought a better life in the U.S.
Many worked as cowboys on cattle ranches in the West.
What attracted people to immigrate to the “Land of Opportunity”?5
Pull factors :
1) availability of space with wide plains and farm settlements
2)natural resources such as cheap land, oil, timber, and minerals
3) economic opportunities in rapidly industrializing America
4) higher wages
5) free to practice one’s religion.
What factors motivated people to leave their countries?
Push factors :
1) overcrowding
2) shortage of land
3) lack of opportunity in class-dominated European societies, where upper classes controlled resources
4) unemployment, with many workers being laid off and lower wages due to low demand
How did economic opportunities in the U.S. attract immigrants?
offered economic opportunities with rapidly growing industries,
Ability to set up new businesses, attracting immigrants seeking better financial prospects.
