In-Depth Notes on the Third Wave of Immigration (1880-1920)

Overview of the Third Wave of Immigration (1880-1920)

  • The third wave of immigration saw a significant influx of people to the United States from various countries between 1880 and 1920.
  • This wave was larger than previous movements, raising concerns among Native Americans about immigration laws.

Questions to Consider

  • What was happening in the U.S. at the beginning of the third movement?
  • Who were the new immigrants, and how many came?
  • What factors drove them to the U.S.?
  • What was Ellis Island, and what were the entry points for immigrants on the West Coast?

Industrial Growth in the U.S.

  • Post-Civil War era: The U.S. evolved into an industrial giant, with significant expansion in old industries and the emergence of new ones (e.g., petroleum refining, steel manufacturing).
  • Major transportation developments (railroads, steam powered locomotives, electric trolley cars) integrated remote areas into the national economy.
  • Creation of a wealthy industrialist class and a prosperous middle class alongside a vast blue-collar working class, significantly comprised of newly arrived immigrants.

Changes in American Society

  • Technological advancements altered everyday life:
    • Transition from agricultural work to industrial labor.
    • Major shifts in lighting (candles > kerosene > electric bulbs) and transportation (walking/horse carriages > steam locomotives > gas-powered cars).
  • The population of the U.S. became more diverse due to the arrival of numerous immigrants embedded in industrialization.

New Immigrants Defined

  • Immigrants during this period were commonly referred to as “new immigrants.”
  • Originated mainly from:
    • Southern and Eastern Europe (20 million immigrants, including those from Greece, Italy, Poland, Russia, etc.).
    • Japan (200,000 by 1920 on the West Coast).
    • West Indies (260,000 immigrants from Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, etc.).
  • Accumulation of various factors drove these immigrants to the U.S., including:
    • Religious persecution (e.g., pogroms in Russia).
    • Overpopulation and scarcity of jobs in Europe.
    • Political unrest and reform movements.
    • Job opportunities due to industrialization in the U.S.

Journey to America

  • Immigrants typically traveled by steamship:
    • Atlantic crossing: approximately 1 week.
    • Pacific crossing: nearly 3 weeks.
  • Most immigrants traveled in steerage class, facing tough conditions (crowded, unsanitary) leading to health risks and disease.

Pull Factors to America

  • The U.S. was viewed as a place of economic opportunity, leading to increased recruitment efforts by U.S. states and industries seeking workers.
  • Many immigrants entered through East Coast ports, primarily New York (known as the Golden Door), with a significant number passing through Ellis Island.

Ellis Island Immigration Process

  • Ellis Island opened in 1892 as a federal immigration processing center:
    • Initial excitement to see the Statue of Liberty turned into anxiety about acceptance into the U.S.
    • The process involved a physical examination followed by government inspections to verify documentation and legal eligibility.
    • Physical exam: Quick assessment to check for contagious diseases, with sick individuals sent back.
    • Document inspection required proof of no felony convictions, ability to work, and possession of financial resources (at least $25).
    • From its opening to closure in 1924, approximately 17 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island, with less than 2% turned away.

Angel Island and West Coast Immigrants

  • Angel Island served as the main processing center for immigrants on the West Coast, particularly for Asian immigrants:
    • Harsh questioning and discrimination were common, especially against the Japanese who immigrated during this time.
  • Despite differentiations in origin, many immigrants faced a challenging cultural transition and adjustment in America.

Conclusion

  • The era of the third wave of immigration significantly shaped American society, the economy, and the cultural landscape. Each wave contributed to the complex history of immigration in the U.S. and positioned these immigrants within an often unwelcoming environment that would require considerable adaptation.