The “New Immigrants”1880 - 1924

Melting Pot Theory Salad Bowl Theory

Ellis Island, Angel Island

Ellis Island in New York Harbor

Dumbbell TenementsHousing for immigrants – unsafe,unsanitary and overcrowded conditions led to crime and disease

American Party (Know-nothings)1840s and 1850s

Mostly anti-Irish and anti- catholic in the pre-Civil War period

American Protective Association

Nativist group opposed to large influx of immigrationduring the Gilded Age. Veryactive in the American west as Chineseimmigration used as labor force n the western railroad constructionProjects, grew during the 1870s.

The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in1882, despite the Burlingame Treaty whichguaranteed civil rights to Chinese Immigrants

Literacy Tests

Just as literacy tests were used to disenfranchise African Americans, they were also used to limit Immigration.

Political Machines

Political organizations at the municipal level that often used bribes and election fraud to maintain their control and steal from the local tax payers.

“Vote early, vote often”

Settlement Houses

Community centers in poor neighborhoods that provided medical services, day care, evening classes and social outlets. Started byJane Addams in Chicago withHull House, then spread toother communities around thenation.

Gentlemen’s Agreement 1907

President Theodore Roosevelt’s deal with the Japanese governmentto restrict Japanese emigrationto the U.S. in exchange for bettertreatment of Japanese studentsin the San Francisco School systemin the aftermath of the GreatSan Francisco earthquake of 1906.

Immigration Act of 1924

The law restricted immigration from theSouthern and Easternparts of Europe, whileallowing greater numberof immigrants from northern and western parts of Europe. Asianimmigration was alsoreduced although, Immigration from the Americas was mostly left un-restricted.

Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965