Immigration Waves and Urban Growth in 19th Century America

In the 1800s, the US saw a surge in European immigrants, notably the Irish and Germans. The Irish fled the potato famine, arriving poor and Catholic, while Germans sought political and economic opportunities, settling in the Midwest. This influx led to nativist sentiments, forming the Know-Nothing Party, which opposed immigration. Urbanization increased due to industrialization and immigration, causing overcrowding and poor living conditions in cities.

What was a major reason for the Irish immigration to the United States in the mid-1800s?

• Religious freedom

• Potato famine

• Economic opportunities

• Political persecution

Which religious group was predominantly among the Irish immigrants?

• Jews

• Orthodox Christians

• Catholics

• Protestants

What was a common reason for German immigrants to move to the United States?

• To escape the potato famine

• To find unskilled jobs

• To escape political persecution

• To join family members

What was the main belief of the Know-Nothing Party?

• Support for immigration

• Opposition to immigration

• Promotion of industrialization

• Advocacy for religious freedom

What did the Know-Nothing Party want to change about the naturalization process?

• Simplify it

• Make it shorter

• Make it longer

• Eliminate it

What was a significant factor contributing to urbanization in the 1800s?

• The Gold Rush

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Civil War

• The Agricultural Revolution

How did the transportation revolution impact cities?

• It made them smaller

• It reduced their population

• It connected them

• It isolated them

What was a major challenge faced by rapidly growing cities?

• Excessive public services

• Abundance of housing

• Overcrowding

• Low crime rates

What was a common issue in the slum neighborhoods of growing cities?

• Poor sanitation

• Abundant public services

• Safe housing conditions

• High sanitation standards

What was a consequence of inadequate public services in growing cities?

• Improved health conditions

• Decreased disease spread

• Increased safety

• Rapid spread of diseases