Immigration

Americanization

The process of making someone suppress or completely forget about their native/ethnic culture, and force them only to speak English and follow Christianity.

Immigration Statistics

Estimated 17 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island, and approximately 20 million Europeans arrived in the U.S. between 1870 and 1920.

Requirements for Immigration

Birth certificate, job skills, a letter, and the ability to speak English.

Melting Pot

Different immigrant groups come together and 'melt' into one big group.

Salad Bowl

Different parts of the U.S. come together, maintaining their unique attributes.

Reasons for Immigration

Many immigrants left to escape religious persecution and due to rising populations in Europe. Pull factor: Railroads facilitated immigration.

Travel Accommodations

Immigrants rarely allowed on deck if staying in steerage. Steerage was the cheapest accommodation, overcrowded and in poor conditions.

Chinese Exclusion Act

Banned Chinese immigration for work for 60 years starting in 1882.

Waves of Immigration

Three distinct waves: European, Irish, and Eastern European; the first wave (1820-1880) was primarily from Western and Northern Europe.

First wave of Immigration (1820-1880)

Primarily consisted of people from Western and Northern Europe.