Catherine, Bill, and JeffHow did Nativists react to Italian

Immigrants During the 19th Century?

Quote: “I came to America because I heard the streets were paved with gold. When I got

here, I found out three things: first, the streets were not paved by gold; second, they weren’t paved at all; and third, I was expected to pave

them.”

“The Burden of New Immigration”Source: Editorial, The World’s Work v. 6 (1903),

p. 3601

Part 1• Who is the ‘burden’

that the author speaks about?

• What are the differences between ‘new’ and ‘old’ immigrants?

Part 2:

• According to the author, what problems are the ‘new’ immigrants creating?

Murdered By an Italian New York Times July 4th, 1851

New Haven, Conn, July 3 – A characteristic Italian murder was committed here this afternoon about 4:30 O’Clock. Several young men of Irish Parentage were standing at the corner of grand avenue and Wallace St. when two Italians approached. The crowd standing on the corner address insulting remarks to them as they passed, whereupon one of the Italians drew a knife from his belt and slashed savagely at the nearest bystander who received the blow in the abdomen. The victim started to walk off, but dropped after taking a few steps and expired almost without a groan.

He was Thomas Corcoran, nineteen years old and unmarried. He was a quiet young man and had taken no part whatever in insulting remarks addressed to the Italians.

The murderer escaped and the police are endeavoring vainly to gain a clue to his whereabouts. Five Italians have been arrested on suspicion, but all have been released.

What questions could you ask your students that would help connect

these documents?

Example: Who is the intended audience?

You are a Nativist!

In your group, each person will draw/write/make a cartoon/other of your perception of an Italian immigrant

“I came to America because I heard the streets were paved with gold. When I got here, I found out three things: first, the streets were not paved by gold; second, they weren’t paved at all; and third, I was expected to pave them.”

How would today’s newest immigrant perceive this quote?