Cities Immigrants and Machines

Immigration Era

The period from 1870 to 1920 characterized by wide-open American borders for immigrants.

Ellis Island

The main port of entry for immigrants on the East Coast, located in New York City.

Angel Island

The main port of entry for immigrants on the West Coast, located in San Francisco.

Old Immigrants

Immigrants who arrived between 1870-1900, including Chinese, Irish, and Germans.

Chinese Immigrants

Settled mostly in California and faced significant discrimination while building the Western half of the railroad.

Irish Immigrants

Settled mostly in Boston and worked on the Eastern half of the railroad.

German Immigrants

Settled mostly in the Upper Midwest.

New Immigrants

Immigrants who arrived after 1900, including Italians, Russians, and Polish.

Ethnic Enclaves

Communities formed by immigrants living together, such as Little Italy and Chinatown.

Chinese Exclusion Act

Legislation passed in 1882 that discriminated against Chinese immigrants.

Wong Kim Ark Case

A 1893 case that established birthright citizenship for children of immigrants.

Nativism

A sentiment blaming immigrants for job loss and crime, present throughout American history.

Public Charge

A reason for immigrants to be sent home if they were deemed likely to rely on public assistance.

Political Radical

A classification that could lead to an immigrant being sent home.

Contraband

Illegal goods that could result in an immigrant being denied entry.

Criminal Record

A reason for exclusion from entry at ports.

Illness

Physical or mental health issues that could prevent entry into the U.S.

Robber Barons

Wealthy industrialists who exploited immigrant labor, including Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Morgan.

Subsistence Wages

Minimal wages paid to workers, just enough to survive and return to work.

Company Towns

Towns owned by factory owners where workers were required to live as a condition of employment.

Laissez-Faire

An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in business.

Unions

Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better working conditions and wages.

Strikes

A tool used by unions to protest against corporate practices and demand change.

Collectively Bargain

The process by which unions negotiate contracts with employers.

Haymarket Strike

A significant labor strike that exemplified the tensions between workers and ownership.

Pullman Strike

A nationwide railroad strike that highlighted labor disputes in the era.

Homestead Strike

A violent labor dispute at a steel mill that underscored the struggles of workers against corporate interests.