immigration

Ellis Island

The primary immigration station in New York Harbor where many European immigrants entered the U.S.

Angel Island

Immigration station in San Francisco Bay that primarily processed Asian immigrants, especially Chinese.

Nativism

The policy of protecting the interests of native born Americans over immigrants; often involved discrimination.

Melting Pot

A term describing a society where different cultures blend into one.

Chinese Exclusion Act

A 1882 law that banned Chinese laborers from entering the U.S.

Q: Why did people immigrate to the U.S. from Europe?

A: For economic opportunities, political freedom, religious freedom, and to escape poverty or persecution.

Q: What challenges did immigrants face?

A: Language barriers, discrimination, poor working and living conditions, and cultural adjustment.

Q: Why did immigrants settle in ethnic areas or ghettos?

A: For community support, familiar culture, language, and mutual aid.

Q: Why did Chinese immigrants come to America, and how was their experience different from Europeans?

A: Many came for work on railroads and gold mining; they faced harsher legal discrimination (like the Chinese Exclusion Act) but also sought community support like Europeans.

Q: What caused Nativism, and who was discriminated against?

A: Fear of job competition, cultural differences, and xenophobia; particularly against Chinese, Irish, and other non-Western European immigrants.

Urbanization

The process of cities growing due to migration from rural areas and immigration.

Tenement

A crowded, poorly built apartment building where many urban immigrants lived.

Social Stratification

The division of society into classes based on wealth, occupation, and social status.

Q: What drew people to cities, and how did cities manage population growth?

A: Jobs, opportunities, and transportation; cities expanded services, built infrastructure, and sometimes created regulations for housing.

Q: How did social stratification affect urban life?

A: Different classes had separate neighborhoods, schools, and resources, leading to inequality and distinct living conditions.

Q: What were common urban problems?

A: Overcrowding, poor sanitation, pollution, crime, and lack of safe housing.

Gilded

Covered with gold on the outside but corrupt or poor underneath; term used to describe the late 1800s.

Individualism

The belief that people can succeed on their own without government help.

Mark Twain

Author who coined the term “Gilded Age” to describe the era.

Realism

Artistic and literary movement focused on depicting everyday life accurately.

Social Gospel Movement

Religious movement that aimed to improve society by addressing social problems.

Spoils System

Practice of giving government jobs to political supporters.

Pendleton Act

Law that established civil service exams for government jobs to reduce the Spoils System.

Settlement House

Community center that provided services to urban poor, including education and childcare.

Graft

Political corruption involving illegal use of funds or bribery.

Q: Why did Mark Twain call this period the Gilded Age?

A: Because it looked prosperous on the outside but had corruption and social problems underneath.

Q: What is individualism?

A: The idea that people can achieve success through their own efforts without relying on others.

Q: What is realism, and how did it differ from past social movements?

A: Realism depicted everyday life accurately rather than idealized versions; it focused on ordinary people and problems.

Q: What is the Spoils System, and how did it affect presidents Cleveland and Arthur?

A: The practice of giving government jobs to supporters; it led to corruption and inefficiency in their administrations.

Q: How did the Pendleton Act change government jobs?

A: It required civil service exams to reduce favoritism and corruption.

Q: How did people help the urban poor?

A: Through settlement houses, charity work, and social reform movements.

Pragmatism

Philosophy that evaluates ideas based on their practical effects and usefulness.

Joseph Pulitzer

Newspaper publisher who used sensationalism to increase circulation.

William Randolph Hearst

Influential newspaper publisher who promoted yellow journalism.

Vaudeville

Popular variety shows that included comedy, music, and theater acts.

Q: How was mass culture created, and how did it affect Americans?

A: Through newspapers, entertainment, and shared experiences; it provided common topics, leisure activities, and national identity.

Q: Why is a shared mass culture important?

A: It connects people across regions, creates common experiences, and influences social norms; this continues to shape American society today.