America: A Cultural Mosaic

 Explain what is meant by the American Identify  Identify the contributions of immigrants to the shaping of the nation

 America is defined as a nation of immigrants, resulting in diversity.  “Melting Pot”- people from all over melted into American Society. Is this term true? How would you define America?

 In a mosaic pieces “fit” together to make a whole image, which might be a more accurate description then a melting pot.  Each “tile” is part of the “picture”.

 First group to immigrate came seeking religious and political freedom.  1600 and 1700’s primarily from England, Ireland, and Scotland.  Brought their language- English- and their traditions of government.

 waves of Central and Eastern Europeans.  Germans, Slavs, and Russians denied political and economic freedoms  Irish, Italians and Greeks suffered crop failures.

 Although European Americans came from the same continent, they were more diverse than alike. Government Language Culture  Immigrants from different countries tended to settle in different parts of the United States.

 Hispanic Americans, or Latinos, share a common culture or language and are of any race.  As the nation expanded in the 1800s it included areas that had been settled by Spaniards and later people from Mexico, which was a Spanish colony.

 Spanish speakers form the largest language minority in the U.S.  Food, architecture, and music is highly influenced by Latino culture.  As with all immigrants, finding a place in society is easier for some than others.

 What did you learn today?

 Identify the contributions of immigrants to the shaping of the nation  Describe our population today

 Unlike other groups who came here by choice, African Americans did not historically come voluntarily.  Brought to the U.S. as slaves during colonial times. Trade pattern?  Although slavery has ended, African Americans have suffered from discrimination.

 Barred from voting  Segregated in schools and living, etc.  Discrimination is the result of racism, the belief that members of one’s own race are superior to those of other races.  Equal treatment for all has not yet been fully achieved, but conditions are improving.

 First Asian Americans- young men from southeastern China during gold rush.  Laws were passed between banning the immigration of individuals from China and Japan, known as exclusion laws.  Repealed in 1952, and more immigrants arrived after 1972.

 Competition with European Americans for land in early America.  Relocated west, and many died due to war and disease.  Current lifestyle- Using land for minerals, tourism, government reimbursement, higher education

Mpp-1012

 A census is a population survey that is taken every ten years.  Census shows that the population is becoming more diverse % nonwhite %  History and ancestry affects the country today.

 Census Quiz Census Quiz

 Civics Journal Page 17 Writing Activity

 Page 17 Key Terms and 1-4