1. Nativism and the Americanization Movement
Mrs. Housenick
US History
10/1/12

2. What does this cartoon show us about how immigrants were treated
What does this cartoon show us about how immigrants were treated? What do the shadows represent?

3. The Rise of Nativism
Nativism: Racism towards immigrants and a desire to keep America for “Americans only”
Both native-born and assimilated immigrants viewed the new immigrants with fear, hostility and suspicion
Thought New Immigrants from SE Europe and Asia were inferior, lower class
Accused of taking jobs from “real Americans”

4. Anti-Catholicism and Anti-Semitism
Many of the new immigrants were Catholic or Jewish
Nativists were suspicious and intolerant of these new religions
Fears of a Catholic conspiracy to take over America
Violence against Catholics--including burning of churches

5. Anti-Chinese Sentiment
Nativists especially targeted Chinese
Seen as completely foreign, incapable of fitting in
-Workingmen’s Party formed in California by Dennis Kearney to pressure government to stop Chinese immigration

6. Anti-Chinese Sentiment ctnd.
1882 Chinese Exclusion Act
Forbade Chinese immigration to the US
In effect until 1943 !
First law restricting immigration in US
Chinese targeted more intensely than other immigrant groups.

7. Americanization Movement
Native-born Americans wanted immigrants to assimilate--or adopt the language and customs of American society.
Effort by government and private citizens to teach new immigrants how to become part of American society and culture.

8. Effects of Americanization Movement
Immigrants and children encouraged to attend public schools to learn English, American history and government
Adult immigrants attended night school.
Some employers, like Henry Ford, set up Americanization classes.