First Wave Immigration (1840-1880)

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the 'Know Nothing Party'’s primary platform during the First Wave (1840-1880)?

Championing westward expansion and land ownership for new settlers, regardless of origin.
Advocating for expanded immigration rights for all Europeans.
Promoting policies that favored native-born Americans and were hostile toward immigrants. (correct)
Supporting the abolition of slavery and equal rights for African Americans.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 is best understood as a consequence of what broader sentiment prevalent during the First Wave (1840-1880)?

Efforts to improve diplomatic relations and trade partnerships with China.
A desire to promote cultural diversity and inclusion within American society.
Growing anti-immigrant sentiment and discriminatory attitudes toward Chinese laborers. (correct)
Widespread acceptance of Chinese immigrants into the labor force and social fabric.

How did the Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) most significantly influence immigration patterns during the First Wave (1840-1880)?

It caused widespread famine and economic hardship in Ireland, triggering a significant surge in Irish immigration to the United States. (correct)
It led to a decrease in Irish immigration to the United States due to stricter emigration policies.
It had minimal impact on immigration trends as most Irish citizens chose to remain in their homeland.
It diverted Irish immigrants to other European countries, reducing the number arriving in the United States.

How did the Naturalization Act of 1870 affect immigration and citizenship during the First Wave (1840-1880)?

It expanded citizenship rights to include African Americans but placed further restrictions on Asian immigrants. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What core idea did Frederick Douglass promote in his writing, “The Composite Nation” (1867)?

Supporting the idea of America as a melting pot where different cultures and races would blend together to create a new, unified national identity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Dennis Kearney’s “Appeal from California. The Chinese Invasion. Workingmen's Address,” (1878) reflect prevailing attitudes during the First Wave (1840-1880)?

Reflecting anti-Chinese sentiment and accusing Chinese immigrants of taking jobs away from American workers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

During the Second Wave & Backlash (1880-1965), what did the term 'birds of passage' commonly refer to?

Immigrants who came to the United States temporarily, primarily to earn money, and then returned to their home countries. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did eugenics influence immigration policies during the Second Wave & Backlash (1880-1965)?

It promoted the idea that certain national or ethnic groups were biologically superior, leading to discriminatory immigration laws designed to limit the entry of 'undesirable' groups. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome of U.S. vs. Wong Kim Ark (1898) in shaping immigration law?

It established that children born in the United States to immigrant parents are citizens, affirming birthright citizenship. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Gentleman's Agreement (1907) between the United States and Japan seek to address immigration concerns?

It involved Japan voluntarily restricting emigration to the United States to ease tensions over immigration. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main effect of the Naturalization Act of 1917 (Barred Zone Act) on immigration?

It created a 'barred zone' that restricted immigration from specific regions in Asia. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 seek to limit immigration into the United States?

By setting quotas based on nationality, favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The Sacco and Vanzetti Trial (1921) is most often cited as an example of what phenomenon during the Second Wave & Backlash (1880-1965)?

Nativist prejudice and anti-immigrant hysteria influencing the legal system. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Johnson-Reed Immigration Act of 1924 further shape immigration policy in the United States?

It strengthened the national origin quotas established in 1921, further restricting immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and virtually excluding Asian immigrants. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the First Red Scare (1917-1920) play in shaping attitudes towards immigrants during the Second Wave & Backlash (1880-1965)?

It fueled widespread suspicion and hostility towards immigrants, particularly those with radical or leftist political beliefs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

During the Second Wave (1880-1965), what was the main argument of groups such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)?

Fighting for the civil rights and equality of Latin Americans in the United States. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During the Second Wave & Backlash (1880-1965), how did World War II (U.S. involvement: 1941-1945) affect existing immigration policies and attitudes?

It resulted in the relaxation of some immigration restrictions, particularly for refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant focus of Madison Grant's book, "Passing of the Great Race" (1916), regarding immigration during the Second Wave & Backlash (1880-1965)?

Warning against the mixing of different races and cultures, advocating for immigration restrictions to preserve the purity of the 'Nordic' race. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the Naturalization Act of 1917, the Emergency Quota Act of 1921, and the Johnson-Reed Immigration Act of 1924, what was a common underlying goal?

To limit immigration from specific regions and favor immigrants from Northern and Western Europe. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Analyzing the historical context of both the First and Second Waves of immigration, which factor most consistently influenced U.S. immigration policies?

Prevailing economic conditions and nativist sentiments. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

WASP

White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, a dominant cultural group in the US during the first wave of immigration.

Nativism

Belief in the inherent superiority of native-born inhabitants over immigrants.