AMSCO-6.7 Notes

Effects of Migration

Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

• Prohibited Chinese laborers from entering or remaining in the U.S.

Essential Question

• How and why did patterns of migration affect society between 1750 and 1900?

Overview of Migration in the 19th Century

• Demographic Changes: Results of migration due to both voluntary and coerced movements.

  • Migrants were primarily male from specific ethnic groups.

  • Examples: Indian indentured servants in the Caribbean, Chinese laborers in the U.S.

• Cultural Enclaves: Migrants formed ethnic enclaves maintaining cultural practices while integrating new influences.

  • Example: Indians in Trinidad practicing Hinduism and contributing to music.

• Impact on Home Societies: Shifts in dynamics as women took on roles left vacant by male migrants.

  • Women gained autonomy, altering traditional gender roles.

  • Remittances affected home society economically and socially.

Changes in Home Societies

• Demographic Shifts: Predominance of male labor migration redefined societal structures.

• Gender Roles: Variability based on cultural norms.

  • In some regions, women maintained traditional roles, while in others, they gained new responsibilities.

• Financial Impacts: Migrants often sent remittances home, influencing household dynamics and educational opportunities for children.

Effects of Migration on Receiving Societies

• Cultural Integration & Retention: Immigrants sought new economic opportunities while preserving their traditions.

  • Ethnic enclaves emerged, leading to cultural fusion, while also impacting local cultures.

Chinese Migration

• Labor Demand: Late 19th-century Chinese migration primarily for labor in agriculture and industry.

  • Chinese culture spread globally, influencing local practices.

• Southeast Asia Adaptation: Chinese thrived in commerce; significant in opium, trade, and business sectors.

• U.S. Arrival: Initial wave during the California gold rush; crucial in railroad construction.

Indian Migration

• Indentured Servitude: Post-slavery replacement with indentured servitude; significant Indian migration to British colonies.

• Regional Contributions: Notable presence in sugar plantations and railway construction in Africa and Southeast Asia.

  • Communities maintained cultural traditions while adapting to local influences.

  • Example: Gandhi's activism stemming from discrimination in South Africa.

• Caribbean Influence: Large Indian communities in Caribbean nations influencing local cultures and practices.

Irish Enclaves in North America

• Early Migration Patterns: Pre-Revolution mostly Scots-Irish; post-Revolution influx of Catholic Irish seeking economic stability.

• Labor Role: Contributed significantly to factory work and labor unions, while spreading cultural traditions.

• Post-Famine Effects: Continued immigration post-Great Famine, significant population growth in American cities.

Italians in Argentina

• Migration Landscape: Attracted by land promises and economic opportunities; significant population growth.

• Cultural Contributions: Italian influence on Argentine culture and language through integration into society.

  • By 1909, Italians owned a large percentage of commercial establishments in Buenos Aires.

Prejudice and Regulation of Immigration

• Economic Competition: Immigrants faced resentment and discrimination due to job competition.

• U.S. Regulation: Discriminatory practices emerged, particularly against Chinese laborers through acts such as:

  • California constitution provisions against hiring Chinese.

  • Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, making permanent anti-Chinese immigration policies.

White Australia Policy

• Immigration Controls: Post-gold rush Chinese immigration restricted for economic and racial reasons.

  • Anti-Chinese violence and legislation aimed at limiting influx and preserving a 'white Australia.'

• Cultural Developments: Despite restrictions, Chinese communities formed significant cultural enclaves in key regions.