VFL #2

Ellis Island

An immigrant receiving station that opened in 1892, where immigrants were given a medical examination and only allowed in if they were healthy

Angel Island

The immigration station on the west coast where Asian immigrants, mostly Chinese gained admission to the U.S. at San Francisco Bay. Between 1910 and 1940 50k Chinese immigrants entered through Angel Island. Questioning and conditions at Angel Island were much harsher than Ellis Island in New York.

Melting Pot

the mixing of cultures, ideas, and peoples that has changed the American nation.

Nativisim

the belief that those born in a country are superior to immigrants

Chinese Exclusion Act

1882 law that prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers

Gentlemen's Agreement

Agreement when Japan agreed to curb the number of workers coming to the US and in exchange Roosevelt agreed to allow the wives of the Japenese men already living in the US to join them

tenement

A building in which several families rent rooms or apartments, often with little sanitation or safety

mass transit

Transportation system designed to move large numbers of people along fixed routes

settlment house

neighborhood centers in poor areas that offered education, recreation, and social activities

Jane Addams

the founder of Hull House, which provided English lessons for immigrants, daycares, and child care classes

social gospel

A movement in the late 1800s / early 1900s which emphasized charity and social responsibility as a means of salvation.

political machine

a party organization that recruits members by dispensing patronage

graft

Illegal use of political influence for personal gain

Boss tweed

William Tweed, head of Tammany Hall, NYC's powerful democratic political machine in 1868. Between 1868 and 1869 he led the Tweed Reign, a group of corrupt politicians in defrauding the city.

patronage

Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support

civil service

A system of hiring and promotion based on the merit principle

Ruth B. Hayes

president in 1876 made congress support reforms

James Garfield

Ohio congressman, independent presidential candidate

Chester A. Arthur

He was chosen as Garfield's running mate. Garfield won but was shot, so Arthur became the 21st president.

Pendelton Civil Service Act

Law requiring people to take a civil service exam for certain government jobs

Cleveland

First Democratic President since the Civil War. Only President to serve two nonconsecutive terms

Ben Harrison

Ran Against Cleveland
grandson of former president