2. OVERVIEW
In half a century from 1870-1920, the United Compared are, the immigration through-out
States was transformed from an agrarian Europe and to the New world South and
society Into an urban one. North.
Increased infrastructure and industry allowed, Immigration to the US was not dissimilar to
often forced people to quit farming and the immigration to Argentina Brazil and
become wage laborers. Canada.
Native born Americans became concerned The essayist uses the city of Chicago as a
that immigrants would bring socio- medium to show the difference between
economic influences from Europe. American cities and European cities, and
However most immigrants left for various how they got that way.
reasons, and were not eager to see He looks at influences out side the US not
former oppressions reenacted in their usually studied with US immigration, and
new country. adds to the idea of living gridded lives
This Chapter Analyzes the mixture of Old lived by the city dwellers.
and New world forces that American
urban society during its most explosive
era.
3. THEGREATTRANSATLANTIC
MIGRATIONS
Between 1870 and 1914, the US, which had Intra-European migration was often a means
always been a nation of immigrants, took of positioning ones self to leave Europe.
in the largest number of newcomers. Europeans came to the New World for many
Over 23 million foreigner arrived, most reasons, however most were looking for
through Elis Island. work.
In the century leading up to 1924 immigrants Many immigrants into the new world would
also ventured to Canada and Argentina. return to their country of origin, either to
Because they came into smaller bring back money, inability to find
populations they had a stronger influence satisfactory work.
in their new countries. The main difference between the new world
In 1914, 1 out of 3 in Argentina were foreign countries and the US is the magnitude
born, compared to 1 out of 6 in the US. and diversity of immigration.
The new world countries were beginning to Native born Americans held resentment for
develop industry, so they began the immigrant class, labeling them
demanding a need for labor. problems; starting strikes, for crime and
With the invention of reliable transoceanic even when they left accusing them of
transportation large numbers of people preying on the opportunity in the US.
now had occupations to fill as laborers. In 1924 laws were passed to limit
immigration.
