Immigration Facts

California Gold Rush

1849

Immigration Influx

1870 - 1900

The Chinese Exclusion Act date

1882

Total no. of immigrants between 1870 and 1900

12 million

Causes

• crop failure

• land / job shortages

• famine

• freedom from persecution

• America was perceived as a land of economic opportunity

Chinese Exclusion Act

A 10 year ban on Chinese Labourers immigrating to the U.S. in 1882

Immigration Act of 1924

A Quota-based immigration system which gave visas to 2% of the total people of each nationality, prioritising white Western Europeans

The Golden Door

New York - where more than 70% of immigrants entered the U.S.

The Melting Pot

term coined by English Jew, Israel Zangwill, from his 1808 play which argues all immigrants can become Americans

Russian Empire’s pogroms

cause of Jews fleeing to U.S.A.

Irish Potatoe Famine

cause of irish exodus to U.S.A. (1 million dead in 5 years)

Hierachy of Immigrants

• Scandinavian

• Irish

• Southern / Eastern European

• Jews / Chinese