U.S. Policies and Their Impact on Native Americans and Immigrants

Indian Territory

Present-day Oklahoma was originally designated as 'Indian Territory' through a series of treaties and policies that began in the early 19th century, intended to be a place for Native American tribes to be relocated.

Indian Residential Schools

Institutions established in the 19th and early 20th centuries aimed at assimilating Native American children into Euro-American culture, forbidding native languages and teaching Euro-American values.

Social Darwinism

The belief influencing U.S. government assimilation policies, positing that Anglo-American society was the 'fittest' and most advanced, necessitating the uplift or replacement of 'less civilized' groups.

Wounded Knee Massacre

The event in 1890 that marks the end of major armed resistance between Native American groups and the U.S. government, where U.S. troops killed around 250-300 Lakota individuals.

Interactions between U.S. and Native American Tribes

Resulted in the loss of Native land, sovereignty, and autonomy, leading to significant population declines and cultural disruption.

Nativism

A political policy or belief system prioritizing the interests of native-born citizens over immigrants, often manifesting in hostility toward foreigners and anti-immigrant legislation.

Tenement Housing

Overcrowded, poorly constructed apartment buildings in urban areas where impoverished immigrant families lived, characterized by unsanitary conditions and inadequate access to clean water.

Muckrakers

Journalists and writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who exposed corruption and social injustices, fostering public awareness and reform movements.

Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

Severely restricted Chinese immigration to the U.S., leading to discrimination, isolation of Chinese communities, and stifling of Chinese labor contributions.

14th Amendment

Ratified in 1868, it guarantees citizenship and equal protection under the law, providing some protection to Chinese immigrants but not fully against discrimination.

U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark (1898)

The landmark case affirming the right to birthright citizenship for children of Chinese immigrants under the 14th Amendment.

Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives

A book documenting the squalid living conditions in New York City's tenement housing.

Jacob Riis

Photographer exposing urban poverty and sanitation issues.

Upton Sinclair

Author of The Jungle, highlighting meatpacking industry conditions.

The Jungle

1906 novel exposing unsanitary meatpacking practices.

Public Outcry

Response to The Jungle leading to food safety reforms.

Pure Food and Drug Act

1906 law regulating food and drug quality.

Meat Inspection Act

1906 law mandating inspections of meatpacking facilities.

Immigration Act of 1924

Law limiting immigrants to 2% based on 1890 Census.

1890 Census

Data used to favor old immigrants in quotas.

Political Machines

Organizations providing services in exchange for votes.

Tammany Hall

Famous political machine in New York City.

Old Immigrants

Immigrants from Northern and Western Europe before 1880.

New Immigrants

Immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, 1880-1920.

Cultural Resistance

Efforts by Native Americans to preserve their traditions.

Indian Removal Act

1830 law forcing Native American relocation westward.

Trail of Tears

Forced relocation of Cherokee leading to significant suffering.

Ghost Dance Movement

Spiritual movement among Native Americans resisting U.S. policies.

Anti-Immigrant Sentiments

Hostility towards immigrants based on race and religion.

Know-Nothing Party

Political group opposing Irish immigration in the 1850s.

Chinese Exclusion Act

1882 law banning Chinese immigration to the U.S.

Lynchings of Italians

Violent acts against Italian immigrants, notably in 1891.

Assimilation Policies

Government efforts to integrate Native Americans into American culture.

Racial Bias

Prejudice based on perceived racial differences.

Religious Discrimination

Hostility towards individuals based on their religious beliefs.

Cultural Composition

Demographic makeup influenced by immigration patterns.

Urban Reform

Efforts to improve living conditions in cities.

Exploitation of Immigrant Workers

Unfair treatment of immigrants in labor markets.