Early Immigration to America. Why did people immigrate to the United States? Escape religious persecution Lack of jobs Lack of farmland Political turmoil.

Early Immigration to America

Why did people immigrate to the United States?

• Escape religious persecution

• Lack of jobs

• Lack of farmland

• Political turmoil in their country of origin

• Strike it Rich! (Gold Rush)

• To improve their way of life (“The American Dream”)

Where were immigrants from?

• Europe– Germany (1)– Ireland (2)– Scandinavia (3)– Italy– England & Russia

• Asia– Japan– China

• North & South America– Mexico– Cuba– Puerto Rico

Hardships of Immigrants

• Difficult Journey to the U.S.– 1-3 week long voyage in

“Steerage”– Many died due to poor

living conditions aboard ship

• Surviving in a new and strange culture– Language barrier– Finding work / a place to

live– Ethnic communities formed

as support system (Chinatown, Little Italy)

Ellis & Angel Island

• Ellis Island– Immigration station in New

York Harbor– New immigrants were

processed (medical, agent interview)

– Legal requirements for entry• Not convicted of a felony

• Able to work

• At least $25

• Angel Island– Immigration station in San

Francisco Harbor

Rise of Nativism

• Nativism = Favoring the interests of native born American’s over immigrants

• Chinese Exclusion Act (1892) = Prohibited most Chinese immigration to the United States

• Why resistance to immigration?– Racism– Religious intolerance– Competition for jobs

(Immigrants worked cheaper)