Between 1850-1914, over 40 million Europeans migrated to the United States, undergoing difficult voyages in poor conditions. Upon arrival in New York, migrants were sent to Ellis Island where they underwent medical examinations to check for illness and literacy assessments. Those who were old, illiterate, ill or otherwise undesirable were often sent back to Europe. By 1911, only 2% of migrants were denied entry to the United States. Immigrants contributed to the growing mixed society of America but often found themselves working the worst jobs for low pay despite intentions of assimilation.

1. Chapter 1 (Fiehn)

2.  1850- 1914 over 40 million left Europe for the
USA
 Voyage difficult, expensive, poor conditions

3.  Upon arrival to NewYork (USA) migrants sent
to Ellis Island and registered
 Medical tests conducted to prove full health
of migrant
 Literacy assessments conducted as were
means tests
 Names altered as a result of language barriers

4.  Old, ill, illiterate and
undesirable returned to
Europe from Ellis Island.
 In 1911 2% migrants not
allowed entry into the
states

5. Pull Factors Push Factors
Space:Vast plains, room for expansion Overcrowding: shortage of land, difficult to
acquire land/ space for family/ business
Wages: Improved from those in Europe Unemployment: few work opportunities as a
result of economic trough/ machinery
Land of the Free: Freedom of religion,
speech, press
Lack of opportunity: Society still class
dominated, difficult for poor social classes
to improve their situation- no opportunity
for movement across system
Natural Resources: oil, timber, minerals and
land was cheap
Economic Opportunity: Labour needed, as
well as room for enterprise (personal
business)
Persecution: Many fled as a result of
religious, political reasons

6.  Immigration contributed to a mixed
American society
 By 1920 103 different nationalities-
assimilation the intention
 Reality for migrants: worst job, poor pay

7. OLD IMMIGRANTS:
British,Germans, Scandinavians = best
jobs, most money, most political power
(WASPS –White Anglo Saxon
Protestants)
SOUTHERN/ EASTERN EUROPEANS
Late 19th century most new migrants
come from southern and eastern Europe.
NATIVE AMERICAN INDIANS
Original inhabitants of the US, though
gradually forced off land. By 1917 many
live in reservations, others assimilated
ASIANS
West coast, growing number of Chinese
and Japanese; they helped create many
cities and railroads
BLACK AMERICANS
18TH and 19th Century Africans brought to
USA as slaves. By 1920 11 Million black
people lived across the USA
HISPANICS
Central America, Mexico and South
America. Speak Spanish, work as
cowboys on ranches