Life at the Turn of the 20th Century

Between 1800-1880- 10 million immigrants from Northern & Western Europe countries Between 1880-1910- 18 million immigrants from Southern & Eastern Europe countries By 1910, almost 1 out of 7 Americans was foreign born The Melting Pot

Ellis Island Opened in 1892 Saw 12 million Europeans pass through http://www.history.com/topics/ellis-island/videos#arrival-at-ellis-island

The New Colossus Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Emma Lazarus, 1883

Who Was the mighty woman? What does the beacon in her hand represent? What lands is she talking to? What is the golden door?

Angel Island Opened in 1910 Mainly Chinese Held in detention for long periods of time Angel Island

Poem from Angel Island Immigrant There are tens of thousands of poems       on these walls They are all cries of suffering       and sadness The day I am rid of this prison and       become successful I must remember that this chapter       once existed I must be frugal in my daily       needs Needless extravagance usually       leads to ruin All my compatriots should       remember China Once you have made some small gains,       you should return        home early Poem from Angel Island Immigrant

Go home tonight and ask your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or anyone else who may know about your family history, and find out what your family ancestry is. What’s Your Ancestry?