History - Immigration and Urbanization Flashcards
(15 cards)
What was the time period when immigration to America increased dramatically?
around 1880-1920
What were the four reasons for increased immigration to America? (why did people want to come to America?)
Immigrants had to leave for more economic opportunities, religious freedom, and working which produced money. There was also occasional discrimination and so they left to get away from it
What were the two major entry ports for immigration and where were they located?
Ellis Island - NY harbor (coast of new jersey)
Angel Island - San Fransisco bay CA
Did urban or rural areas experience tremendous growth during immigration and urbanization?
Urban areas experienced much more growth because of immigrants wanting city jobs and more economic opportunities
What is urbanization?
The process of lots of people moving from the country (rural areas) to the city for jobs and a better economic life.
What were some of the challenges of immigration and urbanization?
Overpopulation, discrimination, disease, and poverty.
What is a tenement?
an overcrowded apartment building where a lot of immigrants would come to live and try to avoid poverty.
What were “settlement houses” and what services did they provide for immigrants?
Settlement houses were big community buildings in poor neighborhoods that helped poor immigrants with basic needs like food, education, childcare, and more.
What were “political machines” and how did they help immigrants?
political machines were organizations that helped immigrants with basic services like finding jobs, houses, and providing political support when they couldn’t vote.
Who was Jacob Riis and how did he change the living conditions of the immigrants?
Jacob Riis was a former immigrant who decided to secretly photograph the lives of immigrants and show them to the world. When people saw this, they instantly realized the guilded world and the truth behind it.
What did the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 do?
It prohibited Chinese immigrants from entering the U.S. for 10 years.
Nativism
When the U.S. valued native born citizens more then immigrants and thought they were more important
Assimilation
An expectation in U.S. History that people from different cultures had to change their ways of life to American ways and culture
Gilded age
a time in U.S. History when no one saw the real truth of how immigrants had to live and instead they only saw the thin layer of wealth and perfection on top.
Ghettos
parts of a city or place that immigrants or poor people are sometimes forced to live in due to economic struggles, poverty, or discrimination.
