DWU#2 What is a stereotype? What are some examples? Where does this come from? What is prejudice? What is racist?

Things to Think About Did your parents or grandparents immigrate to the United States? How do think they were treated when they came here? Do you consider yourself an American?

The New Immigrants

Europe

Europe Immigrants flock to the East Coast 1870-1920: About 20 million Europeans come to the United States Before 1890: Most from Western/Northern Europe After 1890: Most from Southern/Eastern Europe Why did they leave Europe?

Europe Religious persecution Population rise Jews driven out of Russia Population rise Pop of Europe doubled from 1800-1900 Political movements in Europe Spirit of freedom and individuality

Asia

Asia
Immigrants flock to West Coast 1851-1883: 300,000 Asians come to US Gold rush, railroad work, Become farmers and servants after RR Hawaiian planters hire Japanese workers 1920: 200,000+ Japanese in America

Life in America Sail across the ocean In worst ship accommodations (steerage) Packed together like sheep Disease and infestation

America

Ellis Island, New York

Arrival Immigrants arrive at Ellis Island Have to pass a physical examination Gov’t inspector checks documentation Questioned about criminal record Show they can find work Have some starting money More than 17 million come through Ellis Island

Ellis Island

Angel Island West Coast version of Ellis Island San Francisco Bay Harsh questions Filthy conditions Long detentions

Reaction to Immigration Americans think of country as melting pot People come and blend together Abandon native culture and language Many did not want to give up culture

Nativism Favoritism towards American born Calls for restrictions on immigration People want “right kind” of immigrants Anglo-Saxons, Protestants Anti-Chinese bias in the West 1882- Chinese Exclusion Act No Chinese immigration for ten years