12.5 Immigration and Reform in the Progressive Era

Immigrants and Reforms

Exclusion of Immigrants from Progressive Reforms

• Progressives focused on social welfare, moral reform, economic improvement, and government efficiency.
• However, less emphasis was placed on the issues and concerns of immigrants and minorities.

Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

• Movement to limit Chinese immigration to the West Coast due to increased Chinese presence after the gold rush and transcontinental railroad construction.
• The Chinese Exclusion Act was the first significant restriction on free immigration in US history.
• Excluded skilled and unskilled laborers from entering the country for ten years.
• Non-laborers needed special certification from the Chinese government to immigrate.
• Chinese individuals who left the US needed a certificate for reentry; those who stayed were declared permanent aliens ineligible for citizenship.
• The act prevented many Chinese men from reuniting with their families or starting families in America.
• Renewed in 1892 and 1902, with the 1902 renewal requiring all Chinese residents to register and obtain a certificate of residence to avoid deportation.
• Some viewed the act as legalized racial discrimination, while others supported it to reduce competition for jobs.
• The Industrial Workers of the World opposed the Chinese Exclusion Act.
• The Act froze the Chinese community, preventing assimilation and leading to different treatment compared to European immigrants.
• Approximately 30% of Chinese immigrants at Angel Island were returned to China.
• The Immigration Act of 1920 expanded restrictions to other Asian groups.
• Chinese immigrants lived separately and built their own communities as a result of this act.
• The act was not fully repealed until 1943.

Gentleman's Agreement of 1907

• Informal agreement between the US and Japan addressing Japanese immigration through a series of notes from late 1907 to early 1908.
• Triggered by segregation of Japanese students in San Francisco schools and fears of Japan after the Russo-Japanese War.
• Japanese immigrants comprised about 1% of California's population, having immigrated under an 1894 treaty after Hawaii's annexation.
• San Francisco officials believed there were too many Japanese immigrants and they weren't assimilating.
• Japan agreed to stop issuing passports for laborers seeking work in the continental US, curtailing new immigration.
• The US agreed to accept existing Japanese immigrants, allow immigration of their families, and avoid legal discrimination against Japanese students.
• The Japanese government aimed to avoid a situation like the Chinese Exclusion Act.
• Theodore Roosevelt supported the agreement as an alternative to more restrictive laws.
• Japan continued to issue passports for Hawaii, allowing movement to the US mainland.
• The Immigration Act of 1924 ended the Gentleman's Agreement.

Progressive Era Views on Immigration

• Early 20th-century progressives envisioned America as a melting pot for European immigrants, promoting Anglo conformity.
• Assimilation was intended to mold immigrants into Anglo-Saxon culture.
• Concerns arose regarding the number of non-Anglo immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe.
• Legislation in 1924 established quotas for different countries to control the cultural makeup of immigrants.
• Progressives primarily focused on helping white America and did less for immigrants.

African American Organizations and Reform

• African Americans formed their own groups to address their concerns, as progressives did not prioritize their issues.
• National Negro Business League:
  • Founded in 1900 in Boston by Booker T. Washington.
  • Aimed to promote commercial and financial development of African Americans.
  • Grew to 320 chapters, including business owners, doctors, farmers, and craftsmen.
  • Focused on economic development as a means to achieve African American equality.
  • Established the National Negro Business Service to assist black-owned businesses with merchandising and advertising.
  • Advocated for advertising in black newspapers and magazines.
  • Booker T. Washington was invited to the White House by President Roosevelt, marking the first time an African American received such an invitation.
• Niagara Movement:
  • Founded in 1905 by 32 prominent African Americans, led by W. E. B. Dubois, met on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls due to lack of accommodations.
  • Addressed the disenfranchisement of black voters in the South.
  • Invited three white members the second year and broadened membership to achieve more.
• NAACP:
  • In 1908, the Springfield, Illinois race riot highlighted the need for a civil rights organization.
  • Formed in 1909, originally named the National Negro Committee, with over 40 members.
  • W. E. B. Dubois presided over meetings, and the group later became the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
  • Early leadership was predominantly white.
  • Dubois served as editor of the NAACP publication, The Crisis.
  • Championed civil rights for blacks, as well as advocated for Native Americans and immigrants.
  • Worked to overturn Jim Crow laws and restore voting rights for African Americans.

Native American Organizations and Reform

• Society of American Indians:
  • Formed in 1911 by 50 middle-class Native American professionals to address issues facing Native Americans.
  • Sought to improve health, education, civil rights, and local governance for native peoples.
  • The Dawes General Allotment Act of 1887 resulted in the loss of two-thirds of Native American land within 50 years and promoted assimilation.
  • Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca historian and member, encouraged natives to integrate into modern life.
  • Advocated for assimilation while aiming to preserve native identity.
  • The group worked to raise awareness of Native American presence.
  • Publicized achievements, such as Olympic gold medalist Jim Thorpe, and campaigned against derogatory terms.
  • Refused to critique the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
  • Membership declined after 1923, but it provided a platform for Native American leaders.

NAACP Mission

• To promote equality of rights and eradicate race prejudice among US citizens.
• To advance the interests of colored citizens.
• To secure impartial suffrage.
• To increase opportunities for justice in courts, education, employment, and complete equality before the law.

Booker T. Washington vs. W. E. B. Du Bois

• Differing views on the social status of African Americans.
• Booker T. Washington emphasized the importance of economic foundation, prosperity, and independence for the race.

Check Your Understanding

• What is the oldest Chinatown in The United States?
• Answer: San Francisco