Immigration and American Society Flashcard

Front

Between 1890 and 1915, the majority of immigrants to the U.S. had an impact on American life because they were

Back

culturally different from most earlier immigrants

Answer explanation

Between 1890 and 1915, over 15 million immigrants arrived in the United States, a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization: 

• Immigration sources

  The majority of immigrants came from southern and eastern Europe, including Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Poland. These immigrants were fleeing political and economic oppression. Earlier groups came from

Front

In the late 1800s, why were union leaders mainly opposed to immigration?

Back

It took jobs away from Americans

Answer explanation

In the late 1800s, union leaders were mainly opposed to immigration because they feared that the influx of new immigrants would drive down wages by creating a large pool of desperate workers willing to accept lower pay and poorer working conditions. In other words:

Native-born workers feared being displaced from their jobs by immigrants willing to work for less

Front

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, large numbers of immigrants were admitted to the U.S. primarily because of the economy's need for more

Back

unskilled factory workers

Front

In which way did migration NOT transform American society during the late 1800s? Options: large numbers of people competed for factory jobs which pushed wages lower, "ghettos" develop as many immigrants moved to areas with people with the same ethnicity, overcrowded cities led to very poor conditions for many migrants

Back

Immigrants often set up their own schools to avoid being assimilated into American culture

Front

How did rapid industrialization during the late 1800s affect the US workforce?

Back

Increased numbers of immigrants sought employment in urban areas.