The Great Wave of Immigration Chapter 25 Pgs. 357 - 368

25.1 Introduction From 1880 to 1920, a huge wave of immigrants came to the US because of: Poverty Political violence Religious persecution Economic opportunities

25.2 Immigration from around the Globe Refugees – people who fled their homes or countries because of war, persecution, or other causes In1920, one-third of the nations population was from another country

25.3 Italian Immigrants Poor immigrants traveled in the “steerage” of the boat (deck, deep in the ship), only allowed on deck once a day Arrived at Ellis Island had to pass medical exams and answer questions about how they planned to support themselves Sent home if did not pass

25.3 Continued… Lived in tenement buildings, tiny apartments with no privacy “Little Italy’s” Many did not receive an education due to fear of losing their culture Few turned to crime and became gangsters

25.4 Jewish Immigrants Persecuted by Russians because were not like Christians Assassins killed the czar of Russia, blamed the Jews and attacked them Many Jews sought refuge in America Did whatever they could to ensure their child received an education b/c schooling was free Persecuted in America too b/c not Christian

25.5 Chinese Immigrants Chinese Exclusion Act – banned Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S. b/c they were taking jobs away from whites for less pay If native-born citizen were allowed to bring wives and children to the U.S. Arrived at Angel Island in San Francisco and asked detailed questions about their families before being allowed to stay here Many started laundry businesses b/c in demand and cheap to start

25.6 Mexican Immigrants Moved here b/c of the Mexican Revolution Mexicans came to America by walking 100’s of miles and by train Were willing to work for little pay b/c in Mexico used to work longer for same pay Most worked on farms Faced strong prejudice from whites

25.7 Closing the Immigration Door The attack on Italian immigrants b/c of frustration due to mining strike and bank robberies started anti-immigration in America In order to enter U.S. (1917), must be able to read and write Quota system – limited amount of immigrants allowed to only 2% of the people from that country who lives in the U.S. New laws did not limit Mexican immigrants

Questions Why did a huge wave of immigrants come to the US? How much of the US population in 1920 was from another country? When Italian Immigrants arrived at Ellis Island what did they need to do to stay? Why did Jewish Immigrants come to America? What was the Chinese Exclusion Act? What did many Chinese Immigrants start when in America? Why? Why did Mexican Immigrants move to America? What started anti-immigration in America? What did immigrants have to be able to do in order to enter the US? Explain the Quota System.