Lesson Plan: Immigration and American Society

Subject Area(s): United States & Virginia History

Grade Level(s): 11

Format of Library of Congress media: Images

Best Instructional Practices

Standards

VUS8.a: The student will demonstrate knowledge of how the nation grew and changed from the end of Reconstruction through the early twentieth century by

explaining the relationship among territorial expansion, westward movement of the population, new immigration, growth of cities, and the admission of new states to the Union.

Length

1 instructional block, 90 min.

Lesson Summary

Summarize the following information related to immigration to America from the end of Reconstruction through the early twentieth century:

Prior to 1871, most immigrants to America came from northern and western Europe (Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden). During the half-century from 1871 until 1921, most immigrants came from southern and eastern Europe (Italy, Greece, Poland, Russia, and present-day Hungary and Yugoslavia), as well as Asia (China and Japan) the East. They often worked for very low pay and in dangerous working conditions to help build the nation's industrial strength.

During this period, immigrants from Europe entered America through Ellis Island in New York harbor. Their first view of America was often the Statue of Liberty, standing nearby, as their ships arrived following the voyage across the Atlantic.

Immigrants began the process of assimilation into what was termed the American "melting pot." While often settling in ethnic neighborhoods in the growing cities, they and their children worked hard to learn English, adopt American customs, and become American citizens. The public schools served an essential role in the process of assimilating immigrants into American society.

Despite the valuable contributions immigrants made to building America during this period, immigrants often faced hardship and hostility. There was fear and resentment that immigrants would take jobs for lower pay than American workers, and there was prejudice based on religious and cultural differences.

Mounting resentment led Congress to limit immigration through the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Restriction Act of 1921. These laws effectively cut off most immigration to America for the next several decades; however, the immigrants of this period and their descendants continued to contribute immeasurably to American society.