Industrialization's Impact on Immigrants

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the impact of industrialization on immigrants, including working conditions, immigration laws, and social challenges in early 20th century America.

What was a major danger faced by workers in factories during industrialization?

Lack of safety measures leading to high risks of accidents.

What significant event highlighted the dangers of factory working conditions in 1911 and how many people died?

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, where 146 workers died due to unsafe conditions.

What is the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

The first law banning immigration based on race.

What requirements did the Immigration Act of 1917 introduce?

Literacy tests to limit immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.

What was the goal of the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and the Immigration Act of 1924?

To severely restrict immigration and favor Northern and Western Europeans.

What conditions did many immigrants face upon arrival in the U.S.?

Harsh living conditions and dangerous work environments.

Which immigrant groups primarily arrived during the first wave of immigration (1815-1860)?

Primarily Irish, Germans, and Scandinavians.

Where did most Irish immigrants settle in the U.S.?

Urban areas like New York and Boston.

What were common living conditions for immigrants in urban areas?

Overcrowded tenements with poor sanitation.

Which nativist group opposed Irish Catholic immigrants?

The Know-Nothing Party.

What were typical work hours for immigrants during industrialization?

12 to 16 hours a day.

What led to frequent disease outbreaks in immigrant neighborhoods?

Lack of sanitation, running water, and garbage filled streets

What was a significant consequence of overcrowded tenement living?

Frequent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

Which immigrant groups arrived during the second wave of immigration (1880-1924)?

Italians, Eastern Europeans, Chinese, and Japanese.

What types of jobs did Italian and Jewish immigrants typically hold in the U.S.?

Jobs in sweatshops and construction.

What was a common aspect of sweatshops during industrialization?

Exploitive working conditions with low pay.

What was the average earnings for women and children working in sweatshops?

As little as $2 per week.

Where did most Germans settle?

Midwest regions such as Wisconsin and Ohio

What impact did industrialization have on child labor?

Thousands of immigrant children worked in unsafe conditions.

Where did many Chinese immigrants primarily settle?

On the West Coast, working primarily in railroad construction and agriculture.

What role did immigrants play in labor strikes?

They led major strikes demanding better wages and working conditions.

What was a major challenge for immigrants due to the lack of social safety nets?

No government assistance for healthcare, housing, or unemployment.

How did industrialization contribute to discrimination against immigrants?

Immigrants often faced hostility and exploitation due to their status.

What was significant about the labor strikes led by immigrants, such as the Pullman Strike?

They highlighted the need for better labor conditions and rights.

What problem did poorly constructed tenements pose?

Increased risk of deadly fires.

How did the demand for cheap labor affect immigrant populations?

It drew them to urban centers despite exploitative working conditions.

On average how many hours a day did immigrants work for low wages?

12-16 hours/day

What major health issues regarding diseases and infant mortality?

High rates of tuberculosis, diphtheria, and pneumonia.

What was one of the effects of poverty in immigrant neighborhoods?

Increased crime and gang violence.

What did most Germans work as?

Farmers or artisans

Where did most Irish people settle?

Urban area such as New York and Boston

Where did most Irish people work?

Low paying jobs in factories and as a domestic servants

Where did most Scandinavians settle?

Minnesota and North Dakota

What did Scandinavians contribute to?

Agriculture

What did overcrowded tenements look like?

Small, poorly ventilated apartments, with multiple families crammed in a single room

Where did Eastern Europeans settle and where did they work?

Midwest industrial cities like Pittsburgh and Detroit working in steel mills and coal mines

What system did factory owners use to force immigrants?

They used piecework systems, forcing immigrants to work faster for lower pay

Where did most women and children work?

Garment factories

When was the Chinese Exclusion Act and what did it do?

1882-First law banning immigration based on race

What was the Emergency Quotient Act and Immigration Act and when were they?

1921 and 1924- restricted immigrants favoring N&W Europeans but stricting Asians and S&E Europeans