Nativism and Immigration in the Gilded Age

What was a significant socio-political policy that emerged during the Industrial Revolution favoring established inhabitants over immigrants?

Which immigration law specifically targeted Chinese immigrants and restricted their ability to become U.S. citizens?

What was the primary fear among nativists during the Gilded Age regarding new immigrants?

What was the primary function of the Page Act of 1875?

During the Industrial Age, which locations served as key ports for immigrants entering the United States?

Xenophobia and Nativism

An aura of xenophobia emerged during the Industrial Revolution, targeting Chinese immigrants and Eastern European ethnic groups.
The Gilded Age marked a peak in immigration, characterized by diverse nationalities converging in America.
Nativists, individuals who feared the influx of foreign immigrants, promoted a socio-political policy favoring established residents over newcomers.

Legislation Against Immigration

Nativism in the 1800s coincided with Social Darwinism, an ideology that justified the superior status of certain groups over others.
Key immigration laws included the Page Act of 1875, which prohibited immigrants brought in for immoral labor practices.
The Chinese Exclusion Act imposed strict quotas on Chinese migrants, limiting citizenship rights and requiring personal identification visas.

Immigrant Experience

The Industrial Age presented significant challenges for immigrants, as they often faced discrimination and hardship.
The U.S. began developing an immigration system aimed at regulating the overwhelming number of arrivals.
Many immigrants sought refuge from religious persecution and aimed for a better life, entering through entry points like Ellis Island and Angel Island.

Explore the rise of nativism during the Industrial Revolution and the impact it had on Chinese immigrants and Eastern European ethnic groups. This quiz examines the socio-political climate of the Gilded Age and the tensions that arose from America's melting pot identity. Test your knowledge on the key concepts and events that defined this period of American history.