Periods of Immigration 1
The American Dream
The “American Dream” is the belief that anyone regardless of their background can achieve success and prosperity in the United States of America.
Melting Pot Theory
It states that when many diverse immigrants enter an area their individual backgrounds will blend together with the U.S’s to form a singular nationwide culture.
Rationale for the National Origin Acts of 1924 + 1929
acts were specifically designed to keep out unwanted ethnic groups and maintain America’s character
increasing fear of immigration growing in America during this time period
Immigration Vs. Emigration
Immigrate is referring to the entering of a country vs. Emigrate which is referring to the leaving of a country.
Ellis Island
Major means of entry for immigrants, located in New York.
Nativism
the policy of protecting the wants, needs, and interests of native born citizens against those of immigrants
Major Emigration Factors
Emigration from Ireland was caused by a mix of economic hardship, political instability, famine, and natural disasters
Salad Bowl Theory
The Salad Bowl theory gives a different perspective of what happens during mass immigration.
Unlike the melting pot theory the cultures don’t blend together rather they keep their backgrounds and coexist with each other.
Its named Salad Bowl because like a salad all the ingredients maintain their unique flavors but still come together and coexist
The Know-Nothing Party
a former political party active in the 1850s in the north
strong anti-immigrant and anti-Roman Catholic
“Old” vs “New” Immigration
"Old” Immigration (1820-1880)
Origins: Primarily from Northern and Western Europe (England, Germany, and Ireland), but Immigrants were often Protestant, or skilled.
"New” Immigration (1880-1920)
Origins: Primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe (Italy, Poland, and Russia,), but were often Catholic or Jewish, or unskilled.
Steerage
“Low-quality, long distance travel, for cheap”
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
an act providing a 10 year ban on Chinese laborers immigrating to the United States
Public Education
An improved economy meant higher wages, meaning working class families had more money to spend on education.
Assimilation
Assimilation refers to the adopting of different cultural norms, practices, and values.
The Gentlemen’s Agreement
an informal arrangement between the U.S. and Japan to ease growing tensions between the two countries; particularly because of immigration