Chapter 15, quicklyImmigration and Urbanization

New Waves of Immigrants: Europe•“Old Immigrants” – Most from western

and northern Europe – many protestant, many speak English

•“New Immigrants” – in addition to old sources, many more coming from southern and eastern Europe▫Escape religious persecution (Russian Jews

for example)▫Population pressures▫More freedom

New Immigration: Asia and Caribbean/Mexico•Gold rush, rail work draws large numbers

of Chinese workers•Hawaii draws large numbers of Japanese

migrants – farming•Many in West Indies and Mexico come to

find work or escape political upheaval

Points of Entry

•Ellis Island – NY▫Point of entry for Europeans▫Doctor’s examination, prove clean record,

demonstrate ability to work, have SOME money (post-1909, $25)

•Angel Island – CA▫Point of entry for Asian migrants▫Similar procedures, though generally

harsher than Ellis

Life for Immigrants

•Often work low-wage jobs, factory workers

•Live in tenement homes – crowded, generally poor sanitation: “How the Other Half Lives”

•Often live in ethnic neighborhoods or “ghettos”▫E.g. Little Italy, Chinatown ▫Nice support network – familiar language

and customs

Anti-Immigrant Sentiment• Religious, cultural, linguistic friction with new

immigrants• Competition for jobs• Results in rise of “Nativism”• 1882 – Chinese Exclusion Act – bans all

manual laborers from China from coming – not removed until 1943

• 1907 – Gentlemen’s Agreement – Pres. Teddy Roosevelt agrees to stop segregation of Japanese kids in San Fran if Japan limits unskilled migrants

Urbanization: Challenges•Housing – tenements•Transport – how to move large numbers of

people in tight spaces•Water – safe water, indoor plumbing•Sanitation – how to handle large amounts

of waste•Crime – masses of people make criminals

more anonymous•Fire – limited water supplies, cramped

conditions, kerosene lamp/heat = potential disaster

The Political Machine•Political leaders, a.k.a. Party “Bosses” provide

service to voters in exchange for votes/financing – very business-like structure from: main boss ward bosses precinct captains

•Opens door for graft (using political influence for personal gain), embezzlement, etc.

•Ultimately leads to some reforms to try to ensure fairness in government – example: establish Civil Service Commission to staff government jobs