Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882: Prohibited Chinese laborers from entering or remaining in the United States.
Essential Question: How and why did patterns of migration affect society between 1750 and 1900?
19th-century migration was driven by:
Economic factors (escaping poverty or seeking opportunities)
Coercion in imperialist labor systems.
Demographic Changes
Migration led to significant demographic shifts, predominantly involving male laborers from specific ethnic backgrounds.
Examples of migrant groups:
Indian indentured servants in the Caribbean.
Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad in the U.S.
Cultural Impact of Migration
Migrants often formed ethnic enclaves where they maintained aspects of their native culture while integrating new influences.
Example: Indians in Trinidad practiced Hinduism and contributed to local music.
Women left behind took on new roles, changing social dynamics.
Challenges Faced by Migrants
Racial and ethnic prejudice was common, exemplified by the Chinese Exclusion Act which targeted a specific group.
Changes in Home Societies
Gender Roles
Predominance of male laborers affected gender roles:
In some cultures, men would delay migration to ensure family support.
In others, women gained autonomy, stepping into roles previously held by men.
Remittances
Many male migrants sent remittances home, altering family dynamics:
Women used remittances for decision-making, which sometimes led to increased girls' schooling.
In certain regions, boys benefitted more from educational opportunities supported by remittances.
Effects of Migration on Receiving Societies
Economic and Cultural Integration
Immigrants sought economic opportunities while retaining cultural traditions.
Ethnic enclaves emerged in cities, where immigrants lived in communities with shared languages and customs.
Chinese and Indian Enclaves
Chinese Migration:
Sought work during the California gold rush; many worked on railroads, leading to cultural contributions.
Significant populations developed in Southeast Asia, influencing local commerce and culture.
In Cuba and Peru, Chinese laborers contributed to agriculture, transportation, and culinary practices.
Indian Migration:
Indentured servitude replaced slavery post-1833 in British colonies; Indians worked in sugar plantations and rail construction.
Imprint of Indian culture persists in places like South Africa and the Caribbean, where festivals and culinary traditions celebrate their heritage.
Irish Migration
Post-American Revolution, Irish immigration intensified, particularly after the Great Famine:
New immigrants were mostly poor and Catholic, seeking work in cities and factories.
Contributed to labor movements and musical culture in the U.S.
Italian Migration to Argentina
Argentina attracted many Italian immigrants due to its constitutional support for European settlers:
By the end of the 19th century, Italians comprised nearly half of all European immigrants.
Their influence is seen in language, cuisine, and cultural practices in Argentina.
Prejudice and Regulation of Immigration
Discrimination Against Immigrants
Chinese Exclusion Act: Initially a temporary ban that became permanent, reflecting deep-seated racial prejudices.
Increased tensions and nativist sentiment due to job competition led to discriminatory laws in the U.S. and Australia, affecting the Chinese.
White Australia Policy
Resulted from anti-Chinese sentiment during gold rushes; various laws restricted Chinese immigration and set the tone for future policies promoting a "White Australia."
Migration Trends and Developments
Impact of Industrial Capitalism
Increased migration from less developed to industrialized countries generated labor pools in dominant economies.
Many immigrants were indentured servitors, faced with harsh conditions and eventual discrimination.
Global capitalism exacerbated social inequalities, resulting in significant wealth for upper classes while working classes faced rising competition for jobs.
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