New immigration

Definition

New immigration refers to the wave of immigrants who arrived in the United States from roughly the 1880s to the early 20th century, primarily coming from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. This period marked a shift from earlier waves of immigrants, who mostly hailed from Western and Northern Europe, leading to significant changes in American society, culture, and politics, while also giving rise to nativism as a reaction to these newcomers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New immigration saw a dramatic increase in the number of immigrants arriving in the U.S., with over 20 million people entering between 1880 and 1920.
2. Many new immigrants faced harsh living conditions upon arrival, often settling in urban areas and working in factories or other low-wage jobs.
3. Cultural differences between new immigrants and native-born Americans led to growing tensions, resulting in various forms of discrimination and exclusion.
4. The arrival of new immigrants contributed to the rise of labor movements, as they sought better working conditions and wages amidst economic struggles.
5. Nativist groups emerged during this time, promoting policies that favored Anglo-Saxon Protestants and sought to limit the influence of new immigrant populations.

Review Questions

• How did the new wave of immigration change the demographic landscape of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • The new wave of immigration transformed the demographic landscape by introducing millions of individuals from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia. This shift altered cultural dynamics, contributing to greater diversity in American society. The influx of immigrants brought different languages, religions, and customs, which not only enriched American culture but also sparked backlash from nativist groups who feared their influence on traditional American values.
• Evaluate the impact of nativism on legislation and public perception regarding immigrants during the era of new immigration.
  • Nativism significantly influenced both legislation and public attitudes towards immigrants during this era. Nativist sentiments led to the passage of restrictive laws such as the Immigration Act of 1924, which imposed quotas that heavily favored Northern and Western Europeans while discriminating against Southern Europeans and virtually barring Asian immigrants. This reflected broader societal fears about the cultural integration of new immigrant groups and resulted in a climate where many viewed them as threats to American identity.
• Analyze how economic factors influenced both new immigration patterns and the responses from established American communities.
  • Economic factors played a crucial role in shaping new immigration patterns as many individuals sought better opportunities amidst industrialization and urbanization. In turn, established American communities reacted with mixed feelings; while some embraced the labor force that fueled economic growth, others felt threatened by competition for jobs and resources. This tension often led to conflict over wages, working conditions, and social integration, reflecting broader themes of economic anxiety that characterized the period.

Related terms

Nativism: A political and social movement that emerged in response to new immigration, advocating for the interests of native-born Americans and often promoting anti-immigrant sentiments.

Ellis Island: The primary immigration station in the United States from 1892 to 1954, where millions of new immigrants were processed before being allowed to enter the country.

Immigration Act of 1924: A federal law that established national origin quotas aimed at restricting immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and virtually eliminating immigration from Asia.