Chapter 3, Lesson 1 Being an American

A Diverse Population Immigrants are people who move permanently to a new country. 13% of Americans are immigrants. 98% of all people in US are descended from immigrants.

A History of Immigration Scholars believe first people in N. America came from the continent of Asia. 1500’s – Spanish settled in US (Spain) Early settlers came to Florida to establish missionaries and search for resources. 1600’s - More Europeans settled Created 13 colonies French -> Canada; Dutch -> NYC (France & the Netherlands)

A History of Immigration Africans brought to US unwillingly 1807, Congress passed law to stop forced immigration 500,000 Africans in US by time law passed Imm. came for different reasons (1830’s-1860’s) Flee poverty and disease (Ireland & Germany) Cali. Gold Rush (China) 1860’s-1890’s – 10 million Eur. imm. to US 1900’s – Change in source of imm. Large share from Asia & Latin Am. Over ½ of today’s US imm. from Latin Am.

Ongoing Transformation 1830-1930 – Population grew from12 million to 120 million 1920’s – many lived in cities & worked in factories Blue-collar workers – Factories White-collar workers – Service Industry American pop. very diverse Members of an ethnic group share common background (national, cultural, or racial background) 16% of Americans are Latino’s Diverse religious beliefs 173 mill. Christians 9 millions Judaism, Islam, Buddhism,etc

Values & Institutions Values – beliefs used to make judgments Broad ideas of good vs. bad Influence behavior U.S. very diverse, but share certain values Freedom, Equality, Opportunity, Justice & Democracy, Unity, Respect, & Tolerance The Declaration of Independence states that all people are created equal.

Values & Institutions Institutions of America Family is center of social life Social Institutions– Bring together people w/ similar values (Family, religion, schools, etc.) Government Institutions provide people with freedom to make choices without interference from government. American Government is based off of POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY – Government receives its power from the people.

Exit Ticket (2 pts. Each) On a separate sheet of paper restate and answer the following questions: 1. What percentage of Americans are immigrants? 2. What is the difference between Social Institutions and Government Institutions? 3. Provide two examples of Blue-Collar workers and White Collar workers.