unit 4 lesson1 A New Wave of Immigration connexus
Unit 4 Lesson 1 in Connexus discusses the new wave of immigration that occurred in the United States towards the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century.
During this time, there were significant changes in the patterns of immigration, as a large number of immigrants started coming from central, eastern, and southern European countries like Italy, Russia, Greece, and Poland. Many immigrants from these areas were fleeing political, economic and religious persecution, as well as seeking better opportunities in America.
This new wave of immigration differed from earlier waves, as immigrants from these countries tended to be less skilled and less educated than immigrants from northern and western Europe who had come to the United States previously. Some of the factors that contributed to this new wave of immigration include:
1. Improved transportation: Advances in transportation technology, such as steamships, enabled people to travel long distances more quickly, easily, and affordably.
2. Push factors: Political, economic, and social unrest in central, eastern, and southern Europe created conditions that pushed many people to emigrate. These factors included war, economic hardship, and persecution based on religion or ethnicity.
3. Pull factors: The United States was perceived as a land of opportunity, where immigrants could improve their lives economically and escape discrimination. The availability of jobs in the rapidly industrializing American economy and relatively open immigration policies attracted many immigrants to the country.
4. Chain migration: Many immigrants followed friends, family members, and acquaintances who had already successfully established themselves in the United States. These early migrants often provided information, financial assistance, and a social support network for those who followed them.
The massive influx of immigrants during this period created new challenges for the United States, as the country had to accommodate the vast cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity of these newcomers. This resulted in a backlash against immigrants from certain segments of American society, leading to the development of more restrictive immigration policies and the emergence of nativist movements.