Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was one reason that convinced many immigrants to leave their home countries for America?
What was one reason that convinced many immigrants to leave their home countries for America?
What was a common experience for immigrants traveling to America?
What was a common experience for immigrants traveling to America?
What percentage of immigrants was typically denied entry at Ellis Island?
What percentage of immigrants was typically denied entry at Ellis Island?
How did the processing of Asian immigrants at Angel Island differ from that at Ellis Island?
How did the processing of Asian immigrants at Angel Island differ from that at Ellis Island?
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What was a common living situation for immigrants once they arrived in America?
What was a common living situation for immigrants once they arrived in America?
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What was the primary purpose of settlement houses during the late 19th century?
What was the primary purpose of settlement houses during the late 19th century?
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Which model describes the idea of different nationalities blending into a single culture in America?
Which model describes the idea of different nationalities blending into a single culture in America?
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What significant legislation was passed in 1882 that restricted immigration in the United States?
What significant legislation was passed in 1882 that restricted immigration in the United States?
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How did immigrants contribute to the American economy in the late 19th century?
How did immigrants contribute to the American economy in the late 19th century?
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What urban innovation significantly improved the living conditions in cities during this period?
What urban innovation significantly improved the living conditions in cities during this period?
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Which of the following was NOT a factor that attracted rural-to-urban migrants to cities in the 1890s?
Which of the following was NOT a factor that attracted rural-to-urban migrants to cities in the 1890s?
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What was the key issue that led to the establishment of zoning laws in cities?
What was the key issue that led to the establishment of zoning laws in cities?
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Which author satirically depicted American society during the Gilded Age in his novel?
Which author satirically depicted American society during the Gilded Age in his novel?
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What was a characteristic of 'Old' immigrants who arrived in the United States before the 1870s?
What was a characteristic of 'Old' immigrants who arrived in the United States before the 1870s?
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Which group primarily composed the 'New' immigrants after 1870?
Which group primarily composed the 'New' immigrants after 1870?
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What happened to the foreign-born population of the U.S. between 1870 and 1900?
What happened to the foreign-born population of the U.S. between 1870 and 1900?
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What percentage of immigrants were from Southern and Eastern Europe after 1900?
What percentage of immigrants were from Southern and Eastern Europe after 1900?
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What were 'pull factors' for immigration to the United States?
What were 'pull factors' for immigration to the United States?
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Why did some people fear the 'new' immigrants after 1870?
Why did some people fear the 'new' immigrants after 1870?
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Which of the following characteristics was true for immigrants from the 1840s and 1850s?
Which of the following characteristics was true for immigrants from the 1840s and 1850s?
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What was a common experience for the children of immigrants in terms of cultural integration?
What was a common experience for the children of immigrants in terms of cultural integration?
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What was a primary reason for farmers leaving their homes in Europe?
What was a primary reason for farmers leaving their homes in Europe?
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How did the immigration patterns change after 1900 compared to mid-century?
How did the immigration patterns change after 1900 compared to mid-century?
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Who wrote about the harsh realities of war during the Gilded Age?
Who wrote about the harsh realities of war during the Gilded Age?
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What was one major outcome of the expansion of public education during the Gilded Age?
What was one major outcome of the expansion of public education during the Gilded Age?
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Which author's work portrayed characters succeeding through hard work?
Which author's work portrayed characters succeeding through hard work?
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Which sports became popular during the Gilded Age?
Which sports became popular during the Gilded Age?
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How did schools assist immigrants during the Gilded Age?
How did schools assist immigrants during the Gilded Age?
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What role did John Dewey play in education during the Gilded Age?
What role did John Dewey play in education during the Gilded Age?
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What percentage of literacy did the U.S. achieve by 1900?
What percentage of literacy did the U.S. achieve by 1900?
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In which area did universities begin to provide specialized training during the Gilded Age?
In which area did universities begin to provide specialized training during the Gilded Age?
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Which of the following was a factor contributing to the growth of women's colleges?
Which of the following was a factor contributing to the growth of women's colleges?
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Which statement is true about baseball during the Gilded Age?
Which statement is true about baseball during the Gilded Age?
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Study Notes
Old Immigrants and "New" Immigrants
- Old Immigrants (pre-1870s) were mainly Protestants from Northern and Western Europe
- They came to America as families, often with family members already there
- Most Old Immigrants had money, skills, or education
- "New" Immigrants (post-1870s) were primarily Catholics or Jews from Southern and Eastern Europe
- They often came alone and settled in urban areas
- Many "New" Immigrants were poor and unskilled
Immigration to the United States (1870-1900)
- The foreign-born population nearly doubled between 1870 and 1900
- Immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe made up 70% of all immigrants after 1900, in contrast to just 1% earlier
Push and Pull Factors for Immigration
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Push Factors: Factors that pushed people out of their home countries
- Land reform and low prices pressured European farmers
- European economies were disrupted by war and revolutions
- Religious persecution forced refugees to flee
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Pull Factors: Factors that attracted people to America
- Plentiful land, jobs and opportunity
- Many immigrants already had family in the U.S.
Coming to America
- Coming to America was usually a difficult decision
- Immigrants typically brought only what they could carry
- Travel was often by steamship in cramped quarters with little comfort
Immigration Processing
- Immigrants were processed at stations like Ellis Island (New York Harbor) and Angel Island (San Francisco Bay)
- Officers conducted legal and medical inspections
- Only about 2% of immigrants were denied entry / most were quickly released
- Chinese and other Asian immigrants faced stricter processing at Angel Island, with nearly 20% being turned away and many detained in poor conditions
Immigrants in America
- Immigrants often stayed in cities and worked in factories, frequently in ethnic neighborhoods (ghettos)
- Large cities like New York and Chicago had significant immigrant populations by 1890
Immigrant Support
- Settlement houses provided Americanization programs to teach English and American customs to the immigrants
- Immigrants formed fraternal associations based on their ethnic or religious background for support
American Melting Pot and Discrimination
- Many believed that American society was a "melting pot" where different nationalities blended into one culture
- This viewpoint often excluded Asian immigrants who experienced social and legal discrimination
Immigrant Traditions
- Despite some assimilation attempts, immigrants frequently maintained their traditions
- They formed their own fraternal organizations, schools, and religious institutions
Nativism and Hostility
- Immigrants faced nativism and hostility from native-born white Americans
- Religious differences and competition for jobs and housing fueled divisions and prejudice
Immigration Restrictions
- In 1882, Congress started passing legislation to limit immigration
- The Chinese Exclusion Act restricted immigration and limited the rights of Chinese immigrants
- Other laws prohibited immigrants deemed criminals, immoral, paupers, or likely to need public assistance
Impact on American Society
- Late 19th-century immigrants significantly transformed American society
- They fuelled industrial growth, worked in factories, mills, and mines
- Their traditions enriched American culture
- Immigrants became active in labor unions and politics, demanding reforms
Urbanization
- In 1860, most Americans lived in rural areas
- By 1900, 32% of Americans lived in cities with populations greater than 50,000
- This period saw a major upsurge in American urbanization
- Major cities were connected and became centers for manufacturing and transportation
Technology and City Development
- American innovators developed new technologies to improve living conditions
- Skyscrapers
- Safety elevators
- Central heating systems
- Mass transit systems (e.g., electric streetcars) made cities more accessible and encouraged suburban living
City Planning
- City planners used zoning to designate certain areas for specific functions (industry, finance, housing, public spaces, etc.)
- Parks were also viewed as critical and were often designed by planners such as Frederick Law Olmsted
Urban Challenges
- Many neighborhoods became overcrowded
- Poor workers resided in tenements, often unhealthy and dangerous due to few windows and limited sanitation.
- Poor ventilation, waste collection, and inadequate food storage were common issues
- Cities had filthy, unpaved streets, sanitary problems, and epidemics
- The police grappled with conflicts between racial groups, classes, and neighborhoods
Literature and Views (Gilded Age)
- Mark Twain's 1873 novel "The Gilded Age" satirized the corruption underlying American society that was painted as prosperous.
- The period was often viewed as a time of significant economic growth and social change. Many ordinary Americans weren't as critical, but Twain's view was influential.
- Other writers and artists explored the harsh realities of the time.
Consumerism and Culture
- Department stores became popular, turning shopping into entertainment
- Wider advertising and availability of goods created a more unified, or standardized, culture.
Changes in Daily Life (Work and Family)
- Store-bought clothing, prepackaged foods, and indoor plumbing eased some household tasks.
- This was often balanced by rising standards for cleanliness and more complex household needs.
- Public transportation made commuting to work longer.
- Though men worked very hard, American culture taught hard work translated to a better life.
- The spread of transportation and advertising led to a unified culture of consumption.
Education
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Public education expanded, with more teenagers attending high schools and kindergartens being introduced.
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As a result, literacy rates increased to near 90% by 1900
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Schools improved their educational offerings, preparing people for careers and industries
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Teachers underwent training and new teaching methods emerged
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Universities offered specialized urban-focused training, like social work
Continued Issues: Immigrants
- Schools helped immigrants learn English and become more Americanized. However, some opportunities were not equally available to all.
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Description
This quiz explores the experiences and challenges immigrants faced when coming to America during the late 19th century. Questions cover reasons for leaving home countries, processing at entry points, and contributions to the economy. Test your knowledge on important legislation and urban living situations during this transformative era.
