1. 7.1 Notes
The New Immigrants

2. Millions Come to America
Late 19th & Early 20th Century, many immigrants came to the U.S.
WHY?
Famine, land shortages, religious or political persecution.

3. Immigrants Come From Many Places
1. Europeans:
After 1890’s, millions of Southern (Italy) and Eastern Europeans (Russians) immigrated to the US
Population rose dramatically in Europe, causing shortage of land & jobs
Sought independent lives
2. West Indies & Mexico:
Fled from Caribbean for jobs

4. Many Places cont…
3. Chinese & Japanese immigrated to west coast (Angel Island)
Came to US after CA gold rush
Chinese helped build the nation’s railroads
Japanese came to west coast after Hawaii became a US territory for higher wages

5. Life in the New Land All immigrants traveled by steamship (1-3 weeks)
Very cramped, unhygienic conditions; not uncommon to die on the journey!
Next had to pass inspection at immigration stations, i.e. Ellis Island (pg. 256)
Once admitted, had to find job, place to live, everyday life without speaking the language

6. Immigration Restrictions
Native-born Americans saw the US as a melting-pot (pg. 258)
As immigration increased, strong anti-immigration feelings emerged.
Response was nativism – favoritism towards native-born Americans.
By 1917 if you could not read 40 words in English, you would be denied entry.

7. Restrictions cont…
Chinese Exclusion Act passed in 1892 – banned all Chinese immigration except students, teachers, merchants, tourists and govt. officials. Not repealed until 1943.