Immigration Eagle Assessment

1. Based on source 1, which factor most contributed to the rapid rise of Irish immigration to the United States during the 1840s and 1850s.

• 1. overpopulation and famine in Ireland 

• 1. The job opportunities building U.S. railroads  

• 1. The availability of new land in the West

• 1. The passage of new immigration quotas by Congress

2. Based on source 2, which statement best explains why Europeans began migrating to the Americas in large numbers during the 1700s?

• 1. European leaders began seeking business opportunities in the Western Hemisphere.

• 1. European rulers began pushing people out of their countries because their populations had grown too large.

• 1. The New World provided social and economic opportunities for people who were struggling in Europe.

• 1. The climate in the New World was more pleasant than the climate in Europe.

3. According to source 3, how do Americans feel about the Irish in America?

• 1. Americans felt the Irish immigrants were poor, unskilled workers.

• 1. Americans felt the Irish immigrants were illiterate, middle class workers.

• 1. Americans felt the Irish immigrants were good, hard workers.

• 1. Americans felt the Irish immigrants were rich, skilled workers.

 4. What does the letter in source 4 reveal about some new immigrants’ experiences coming to the United States in the 1800s?

• 1. They were often forced to work at jobs they did not enjoy.

• 1. They were often able to make good lives for themselves as long as they worked hard.

• 1. They often felt welcomed in the United States as long as they were Christian.

• 1. They often faced discrimination by Americans who had been here longer.

1.  4. What does the letter in source 4 reveal about some new immigrants’ experiences coming to the United States in the 1800s?

   
   

• 1. They were often forced to work at jobs they did not enjoy.

• 1. They were often able to make good lives for themselves as long as they worked hard.

• 1. They often felt welcomed in the United States as long as they were Christian.

• 1. They often faced discrimination by Americans who had been here longer.

5. What was the main reason the United States did not limit immigration during most of the 19th century?

• 1. Political parties wanted to gain new voters.

• 1. Most immigrants arrived with large amounts of capital to invest.

• 1. The expanding economy needed a supply of cheap labor.

• 1. Immigrants were more willing to serve in the military than Americans.

6. Which of these groups most favored immigration to the United States between 1880 and 1910?

• 1. unskilled workers

• 1. rural farmers 

• 1. factory owners

• 1. urban nativists 

7. A large percentage of the immigrants who come to the United States during the late 19th and 20th centuries settled in large cities because…

• 1. most of them had lived in cities in their homelands

• 1. here were fewer and fewer farms in the United States.

• 1. the growing industries were usually located in cities.

• 1. the government encouraged immigrants to settle in big cities.

8. According to the sources, what were some challenges that immigrants faced when they came to America in the 19th century? Choose two correct answers.

• 1. They were being discriminated against 

• 1. They were forced to serve in the army 

• 1. They were expected to speak English  

• 1. They were denied citizenship

• 1. They were forced into slavery 

CER - 9. Using the sources and your knowledge of social studies, explain two of the motivations and challenges associated with immigration to the United States in the 19th century.

Answer explanation

• Many German and Italian immigrants fled their countries to escape a revolution against harsh rule.  These immigrants wanted a better life, so they came to America, the Land of Liberty.  Many of these immigrants were poor or working class that found jobs in factories.  In addition to finding jobs, these immigrants also faced anti-immigration Americans known as nativists.

• Many immigrants left their country due to natural disasters such as flood and famine.  These immigrants came to America searching for land to farm and economic opportunities.  These immigrants also faced discrimination.  For example, the Know-Nothing party supported measures making it difficult for immigrants to become citizens.

• Many immigrants came to America looking to escape the extreme poverty they were living in. The Industrial Revolution led to the creation of many new jobs that required cheap labor.  Many of these immigrants got jobs building the Transcontinental Railroad.  However, the influx of immigrants and the rapid growth of cities caused overcrowding in many places.  The overcrowded cities led to dangerous living conditions.