Old Immigrants

Definition

Old Immigrants refers to the wave of immigrants who arrived in the United States primarily from Northern and Western Europe between the early 19th century and the 1880s. This group included individuals from countries such as Ireland, Germany, and Britain, who sought better economic opportunities, religious freedom, and escape from political turmoil. Their experiences laid the groundwork for future immigration patterns and shaped American society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Old Immigrants primarily came from countries like Ireland, Germany, and Britain and were drawn by economic opportunities, particularly during the Industrial Revolution.
2. Many Old Immigrants settled in urban areas where they could find jobs in factories or as laborers, significantly contributing to America's industrial growth.
3. The arrival of Old Immigrants helped establish ethnic neighborhoods in cities like New York and Chicago, preserving cultural traditions and languages.
4. Old Immigrants generally faced less discrimination than New Immigrants due to shared cultural and religious backgrounds with many native-born Americans.
5. By the late 1800s, the influx of New Immigrants led to a shift in public opinion, resulting in increased nativist sentiments that contrasted with earlier acceptance of Old Immigrants.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of Old Immigrants differ from those of New Immigrants in the United States?
  • Old Immigrants generally came from Northern and Western Europe and faced less hostility upon arrival compared to New Immigrants, who were predominantly from Southern and Eastern Europe. Old Immigrants were often able to assimilate more easily due to similar cultural backgrounds with native-born Americans. In contrast, New Immigrants encountered significant discrimination and barriers that affected their ability to integrate into American society.
• What impact did Old Immigrants have on urban development in American cities during the 19th century?
  • Old Immigrants played a crucial role in urban development as they settled in cities where industrial jobs were available. Their labor fueled the growth of factories and infrastructure projects, leading to rapid urbanization. Ethnic neighborhoods emerged as Old Immigrants maintained their cultural traditions while contributing to the diversity of urban life in cities such as New York and Chicago.
• Evaluate how the changing attitudes toward immigration reflected broader societal changes in America during the late 19th century.
  • As the number of New Immigrants increased in the late 19th century, attitudes toward immigration shifted significantly. Initially, Old Immigrants were welcomed as essential contributors to America’s growth; however, rising nativism began to emerge alongside fears about cultural differences and job competition posed by New Immigrants. This change in perception reflected broader societal shifts, including economic anxieties during industrialization and a growing sense of American identity that favored native-born citizens over newcomers.

Related terms

New Immigrants:

New Immigrants were those who arrived in the United States from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, typically facing more discrimination and challenges than Old Immigrants.

Immigration Act of 1924:

A federal law that established quotas limiting the number of immigrants allowed into the United States, favoring Old Immigrant populations while restricting immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.

Nativism:

A political policy that favors native-born inhabitants over immigrants, often leading to hostility toward groups perceived as outsiders, particularly against New Immigrants in contrast to Old Immigrants.