US3 Immigration

Question 1

How many people emigrated to America between 1850 and 1914

Answer 1

Around 40 million

Question 2

What were some reasons people wanted to move to America?

Answer 2

• space - many European towns and cities were overcrowded. Land was in short supply and expensive.
• The American dream - American prides itself on the idea that everyone has the right to achieve success. The Declaration of Independence states that ‘all men are created equal’
• persecution - various groups were persecuted for their religious or political beliefs in some European countries
• The standard of living - the standard of living was higher in America and workers were paid more
• Class - much of Europe was still divided by class it was very difficult for working class people to improve their lives
• Poverty - there was great poverty in Europe - terrible housing poor health and bad diet
• Land - American land was cheap and further it was also rich in natural resources such as coal, iron, cotton, oil and timber
• Jobs - there are plenty of jobs in America in steel, coal, and textile production and the Car, electrical and chemical industries

Question 3

In the late 1800s and early 1900s more immigrants began to arrive from where?

Answer 3

Southern and eastern Europe

Question 4

Large ethnic communities develops in many largest cities can you name one?

Answer 4

Little Italy in New York for example

Question 5

What religion were most of the established population?

Answer 5

Protestant

Question 6

What religion were many of the immigrants?

Answer 6

Jewish or catholic

Question 7

Why were immigrants often resented?

Answer 7

Because they were usually poor, couldn’t speak English well and had unfamiliar traditions and religious practices

Question 8

Why were some Americans afraid and suspicious of Russian immigrants?

Answer 8

In the Russian revolution of 1917 citizens had risen up and taken over land banks and businesses some Americans fear that Russian immigrants might try something similar

Question 9

What were working conditions and living conditions like for many immigrants

Answer 9

• Some immigrants achieve great success opening thriving businesses and making a good living
• however for many working and living conditions with generally very poor and difficult

Question 10

Why did some Americans feel the immigrants were out to steal jobs?

Answer 10

• Many immigrants were poorly educated and willing to work for very low wages in any kind of job.
• Consequently some people felt that immigrants were out to steal their jobs which created prejudice.

Question 11

What did the literacy act of 1917 do?

Answer 11

Banned entry to any immigrant over the age of 16 who could not read a sentence of 40 words

Question 12

How many immigrants each year did the 1921 immigration quota law allow?

Answer 12

350,000

Question 13

How many immigrants did the 1924 national origins act allow each year?

Answer 13

150,000