The Rise of Industrial America

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Questions and Answers

What was the period of significant growth and social reform in America known as?

The Industrial Revolution

Why did many immigrants come to America during the Industrial Revolution?

To seek freedom and success

What was the name given to the group of people born in America who wanted to limit the influx of new immigrants?

Nativists

What was the era in United States history when the country shifted from an agrarian based society to one focused on industry?

1865-1900 Signup and view all the answers

What was the name given to the period of vast wealth disparity between ruthless businessmen and workers?

The Gilded Age Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary causes of nativism in the Gilded Age?

The primary causes of nativism in the Gilded Age were the arrival of immigrants who did not speak English and were not Protestant, which promoted distrust among native-born Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What dangerous manual jobs were new immigrants often tasked with?

New immigrants were often tasked with dangerous manual jobs such as canal building, excavation projects for subways, and other intensive manual labor projects. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the rigorous vetting process for new immigrants?

The purpose of the rigorous vetting process for new immigrants was to ensure they did not have any serious incurable diseases or disabilities, and to review their histories for any arrests. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Angel Island in the immigration process?

Angel Island in San Francisco served as an immigration station for immigrants coming to the Pacific coast, primarily from Japan and China, where they were screened for health problems before being allowed to proceed to the mainland. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the anti-immigration laws enacted during the Gilded Age?

Some of the anti-immigration laws enacted during the Gilded Age were The Page Act of 1875, which targeted Chinese and Japanese immigrants, and The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which put quotas on Chinese immigrants and required personal identification visas. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of imposing quotas on the number of immigrants allowed in the United States in the 1920s?

To preserve the way of life of nativists and prevent the perceived undermining of American society. Signup and view all the answers

What were the three main factors that contributed to the feeling of distrust towards immigrants in America during the 19th and 20th centuries?

Lack of skilled labor, diverse religious beliefs, and the perception of immigrants stealing jobs from American families. Signup and view all the answers

What was the concept of Social Darwinism and how was it used to justify nativist sentiments?

The concept of Social Darwinism promoted the idea that certain groups, such as white wealthy businessmen, were the natural leaders and should be allowed to continue their practices through natural selection. It was used to justify the perceived superiority of certain groups and the exclusion of others. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fear associated with the growing popularity of Communism in East Asia and the influx of East Asian immigrants to the United States?

There was a fear that these immigrants would shift the American economy towards Communism and potentially destroy the Democratic Republic in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What were the key concerns of the Know Nothing Party and why did it eventually join the Republican party?

The Know Nothing Party was concerned about the security of native-born Protestant Americans and immigration reform. It eventually joined the Republican party due to their shared anti-slavery position. Signup and view all the answers