Immigration: There’s No Place Like Home Between 1860 and 1900, almost 14 million people came to America looking for new opportunities and a new home.

“Old Immigration” When the 13 colonies were established, most immigrants to America were from England. Other settlers from Holland, Sweden, France, Scotland, and Ireland soon followed. In the first years of immigration, approximately 400,000 people came to America. After the Civil War, the numbers of immigrants to America increased.

Reasons for “Old Immigration” Between , 1.5 million immigrants came to America. Nearly ½ were from Ireland due to the potato famine of that country. From , approximately 1.5 million Irish settled in port cities such as New York and Boston. In the 1840’s, large numbers of Germans immigrated to escape crop failures, and political persecution. German Jews were also seeking their freedom. Most German immigrants settled on farms in the Midwest, and in cities such as Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and St. Louis. In the 1850’s, Chinese immigrants landed on the west coast, and were hired to help build the railroads.

Was the welcome mat out for new immigrants? In the early years of the nation, immigrants were welcome; however, the immigrants coming during the 1840’s began to meet with resistance from some Americans. Immigrants were seen as different, and the Irish were resented because of their Catholicism. There was a long tradition of friction between English Protestantism and Irish Catholicism.

The “New Immigration” Immigrants endured harsh conditions to cross the Atlantic Ocean on their way to America. Until the 1880’s, most immigrants had come from northern Europe. After 1885, the new immigrants came from southern and eastern Europe. Italians were one of the largest groups. Another large group were European Jews.

Dreams of America Many of the new immigrants came to start a new life to escape the economic misfortunes of their homelands. Unemployment and overpopulation made existence in Europe difficult. Jews came to escape religious persecution. Many believed that the streets of America were paved with gold.

What were the newcomers like? Most new immigrants to the United States were poor, poorly educated, and had few skills. They met the rising needs of American industry for an inexpensive labor force. Extended families helped people feel connected in a strange land.

Where did new immigrants live? Most new immigrants flocked to the cities where employment in factories was possible. They lived together with people from the cultures of their homelands. Their language was still spoken, and cultural traditions still kept. They established churches, clubs, newspapers, and social centers to help face the challenges of their new lives in a foreign land. Neighborhood stores and markets featured familiar foods from home.

Were they welcomed by everyone? Immigrants lived in their own neighborhoods and kept many of their former traditions. Many Americans wondered if they would ever become truly American. Workers blamed immigrants for low wages or shortages of employment. A resentment of foreigners crept into America’s attitudes. New immigrants were easy scapegoats for the fear of social change that many experienced due to the rapid changes based on the Industrial Revolution. For many, the “good ole days” were really gone.

Anti-immigration Movements Americans formed groups to counter the immigrant threat. American Protective Association was formed in 1887 to protest the large number of immigrant Catholics. Local laws were passed that prohibited immigrants from holding certain types of jobs, and denied other rights.

Summary Immigration to the United States helped industrialize the nation. Immigrants worked on the canals, roads, and railroads that connected the nation together. The contributions of various cultures enriched America’s cultural landscape, and second generation immigrant children improved their lives, and made contributions to the nation.