Immigration, Urbanization, Progressivism Pt. 1 Flashcards
(7 cards)
World Columbian Expo:
The World’s Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair, was a major international exposition held in Chicago from May 1 to October 31, 1893, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World. It was a grand spectacle, showcasing the nation’s progress and attracting millions of visitors. The fair covered 630 acres in Jackson Park, including the Midway Plaisance, an area dedicated to amusement.
Ellis Island:
Ellis Island was a major hub for immigration during the Gilded Age, specifically from 1892 to 1924, when it was the largest and busiest immigration station in America. Over 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island during this period.
Ethnic Cities:
During the Gilded Age (roughly 1870-1900), many American cities became diverse and vibrant centers of ethnic enclaves, as immigrants from Europe and other parts of the world sought work in factories and industries. These enclaves, like Little Italy in New York City, were characterized by a concentration of specific ethnic groups and their unique cultural traditions. Cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago became major destinations for immigrants.
Nativism:
Nativism, a belief that native-born residents should be favored over immigrants, surged in the 1920s, fueled by fears of cultural and religious diversity and job competition. This movement led to restrictive immigration policies, including the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and the Immigration Act of 1924, which significantly reduced immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe. The rise of nativism also contributed to the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, which targeted not only African Americans but also immigrants, Catholics, and Jews.
Tenements:
Tenements were low-rise apartment buildings, typically three to six stories high, designed to house multiple families, often immigrants, in a densely populated urban setting. They were characterized by small, cramped apartments, usually with three rooms (a bedroom, kitchen, and a front room) and shared facilities like stairwells.
Skyscrapers:
Early skyscrapers, primarily appearing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were tall buildings that emerged in land-scarce areas like New York and Chicago. Driven by the need for more commercial and office space in growing urban centers, they were made possible by technological advancements like steel-frame construction and elevators. The Home Insurance Building in Chicago, completed in 1885, is often considered the first skyscraper.
Class Systems:
Class systems:Urbanization intensifies class divisions and social inequalities within cities, leading to spatial segregation of social classes and the emergence of a distinct middle class. As cities grow, they see increased disparities in living conditions and opportunities based on wealth and social status.
