Download The New Immigrants

The New
Immigrants
Chapter 20, Section 1
Pgs. 582-587
Emigrate

To leave the
country
where you
were born to
move to
another
country to
live.
Ethnic Group

Groups of
people who
follow the
same
customs and
speak the
same
language
Steerage

The cramped,
noisy quarters
on the lower
decks of the
steamships
where most
immigrants
traveled
because it was
cheap.
Sweatshop

Dark crowded
workshops
where
workers
made
clothing
Assimilate

To become part of
a culture which is
not your own
New Immigrants


80% of immigrants coming to the U.S. in
the early 1900s came from southern and
eastern Europe.
They had difficulties here because few
spoke English and their cultures and
religions were unfamiliar to most
Americans.
Immigration

The new immigrants left their homelands for the
following reasons:






economic troubles
Overcrowding and poverty
Lack of farmland and crop failures
Machines put many craft workers out of work
Persecution of ethnic groups by the government
The new immigrants came to the U.S. for the
following reasons:



Opportunities and jobs
Land
A chance at a better life
Entrance to the United States


Most immigrants were greeted by the
Statue of Liberty since most immigrants
arrived on the east coast at Ellis Island in
New York Harbor.
Some immigrants arrived on the west coast
at Angel Island in San Francisco Bay.
The Entrance Exam




Immigrants were asked their
names which were often
changed
They were asked about where
they came from and what their
occupation had been.
They were asked if they had
any relatives in the United
States.
They were given a health exam
Greatest Challenges


The greatest challenge was to find work.
In trying to adjust to the United States
though they had two desires.


First they wanted to preserve some aspects of
their own cultures.
But at the same time they wanted to become part
of the American culture.
Ethnic Communities



Once in America, most
immigrants migrated
towards areas of the cities
where others like
themselves lived.
By doing this they were
able to work together to
preserve their cultural
heritage.
Examples: Little Italy,
Chinatown, etc.
Immigration Laws

The Chinese Exclusion Act


This law prohibited Chinese workers from
entering the U.S. for 10 years. Congress
extended the law twice.
Immigration Act of 1917

This law included a literacy requirement which
stated that immigrants to this country should be
able to read and write.
Immigrants Enrich Society


Many of the things we enjoy as Americans
today are passed down from these
immigrants.
They brought with them customs, cultures,
languages, literature, and FOOD!