Immigration - US History Final

Where did most immigrants come from during the first wave of immigration (late 1800s)?

Western and Northern Europe

What were the push factors that led to a second wave of immigration in the early 1900s?

Many people escaped poverty, famine, war, land shortages, and persecution by coming to America in search of a better life.

Where were the new immigrants primarily from and what religions did they practice?

The new immigrants during that time were primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe. They practiced a variety of religions such as Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Judaism.

What was the journey like traveling to the United States?

Most of the immigrants traveled through steamships here and faced poor conditions that allowed diseases to spread.

Describe the immigration process at Ellis Island?

Immigrants there went through health inspections, interviews, had to prove they could work, and needed to have at least $25 to enter the United States.

Why were immigration stations created?

Immigration stations were created to process and inspect incoming immigrants, making sure they were healthy, had no serious diseases.

Why did immigrants settle in ethnic enclaves?

Immigrants settled in ethnic enclaves because these communities offered support networks, making it easier to adjust to life in a new country

How did many Americans feel/act towards new immigrants?

Many Americans reacted negatively to new immigrants, fearing they would not assimilate and would take jobs or change American culture.

What difficulties did new immigrants face once entering America?

New immigrants faced many difficulties, including language barriers, poor living conditions, low-paying jobs, discrimination, and prejudice from native-born Americans.

What was Nativism and why did this belief form?

Nativism was the belief that native-born Americans were superior to immigrants and that immigration should be limited.

How did the government restrict immigration?

The government restricted immigration through laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882), which banned Chinese laborers