An Immigrant’s Tale Establishing a new life in the big city

What you Should know after this lesson… 1. What concerns did European immigrants have as they arrived in America at the turn of the 20 th century. Why come to America?? Why come to America?? 2. How did industrialization allow for growth of urban areas. 3. How did political machines derive their power and influence from these immigrant groups.

Getting off the boat Ellis Island – New York City (detention and inspection) Angel Island – San Francisco Hartman Family –We came in through Canada and into Minnesota

Why the City?? Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!! In the late 19 th century, industrialization exploded in Northern cities. Fueled by a growing transportation system, cheap labor and lassiez-faire government regulation Immigrants provided an inexpensive, easily replaced labor supply that helped to keep production costs low and profits high

Big City Livin’ Americanization Movement – attempt to assimilate various immigrant groups into “Americans” Citizenship courses, English classes, social etiquette, etc. Teddy Roosevelt We should insist that if the immigrant who comes here does in good faith become an American and assimilates himself to us he shall be treated on an exact equality with every one else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed or birth-place or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American and nothing but an American. If he tries to keep segregated with men of his own origin and separated from the rest of America, then he isn't doing his part as an American. There can be no divided allegiance here... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding-house; and we have room for but one soul loyalty, and that is loyalty to the American people. But where are you going to go? Where you are comfortable, with people like you. Neighborhoods became ethnically based.

How do I find this neighborhood? Rise of the Political Machines Immigrants equals voters Block captains – low level operatives who help to get fresh off of the boat immigrants into the “correct” neighborhood. The “correct” Church, stores, language, even town. Assist in getting a job, an apartment, some start up money. Ward Boss – In charge of the Neighborhood. Controls the money for the block captains. Political boss – Head of organization. Either IS the elected official or is the puppet master behind the elected official. Works the high level city officials. Engages in Graft – the exchange of political favors or influence for personal gain. Form of Extortion. (adding onto a government bill, making sure this company gets a certain job, bribery and protectionism)

Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall Infamous Democratic Machine late 19 th century New York Built County Courthouse Actual cost Charged to City $3 Million $13 Million

So now what??? As this immigrant’s tale continues, what are the next chapters like?? – Reformers (social gospel movement and progressive politicians attempt to lessen the influence of political machines). – Rise and growth of unions as workers try to find their own voice. – America grows up as a world power on the backs of these workers.

Standards addressed Describe the changing landscape, including the growth of cities linked by industry and trade, and the development of cities divided according to race, ethnicity and class Trace the effect of the Americanization Movement Analyze the effect of urban political machines and responses to them by immigrants and middle class reformers.