Immigrants and Urbanization Chapter 7 The New Immigrants 7.1 Notes

Why Come to America? Promise of better life Escape difficult conditions Famine, land shortages, religious/political persecution “birds of passage” – temporary immigrants looking to earn money US = Land of opportunity Jobs “supposedly” plentiful

Europeans 1870-1920 – 20 million Southern and Eastern Europe Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia Religious persecution Jews driven out of Russia Rising population Little farm land left, competition for industrial jobs People escaping political reform – looking for independence

Chinese and Japanese 1851-1883 – 300,000 Chinese Looking to discover gold – CA gold rush Build railroads Then mined, farmed, domestic service Hawaiian planters recruited Japanese workers Migrated to US after rumor of higher wages

West Indies and Mexico 1880-1920 – 260,000 from West Indies East and Southeast Jobs were scarce – looking for work Mexicans fleeing political turmoil 1902 national Reclamation Act Encouraged irrigation of arid land New farmland in Western states = more jobs Drew Mexican farm workers North 7% of Mexico’s population by 1930

What Was It Like to Immigrate? Difficult Journey Traveled by steamship Atlantic – 1 week / Pacific – 3 weeks Steerage – cheapest accommodations in cargo holds Could not go on deck – no fresh air Slept in beds infected by lice / shared bathrooms Disease spread quickly Some died along the way

Ellis Island – East Coast Had to pass inspection – 5 hour process New York Harbor 20% detained for a day or more prior 2% denied entry Physical exam by doctor Contagious diseases (TB) or serious health problems – sent home immediately Gov’t inspector – checked documents 17 million passed through

Requirements Proper paperwork Never convicted of a felony Ability to work Show some money – at least $25

Angel Island – West Coast Primarily Asians 1910-1940 – 50,000 Chinese Harsh questioning Longer detaining period Buildings broken down and filthy