1. Immigration

2. Immigrants Immigrants came to the U.S. for different reasons: ◦Escaping poverty, hunger, or lack of jobs. ◦The hope of an income, food and work. ◦Escaping violence, war, or injustice. ◦They came hoping for chances to make better lives for themselves and their families.

3. Most ships carrying immigrants from Europe landed in New York City. Most immigrants were taken by ferry boat to Ellis Island in NY harbor.

4. At Ellis Island, immigrants were checked for dangerous diseases, and asked questions about their work and where they would live. Once they were examined and given permission, they would take a ferry to New York City to begin their new life.

5. Angel Island Immigrants from China entered the US at Angel Island, in San Francisco Bay.

6. Immigrants needed to do 2 things right away: find a place to live and find a job. Many immigrants moved to neighborhoods where there were other people from their homeland. Many found jobs on railroads, in factories, and mines. Some started their own businesses.

7. By the early 1900’s, more than half of the people in most big cities were immigrants or immigrant’s children. In 1924, the U.S. passed new laws to limit the number of immigrants who could enter the country each year.

8. Labor Immigrants and Americans found hard times working in factories and mines.

9. Workers barely made enough money to survive Women operated sewing machines in hot, cramped workshops called sweatshops Children often had to work to help support their families

10. Children worked 12 or more hours a day for just 10-20 cents a day There was no time for school and working conditions were unhealthy and dangerous

11. Labor unions were started to gain improved working conditions and better wages, and to end child labor. People like Samuel Gompers helped organize labor unions to protect workers. Workers organized strikes, refusing to work until owners met their needs.