INDUSTRIALIZATION AND PROGRESSIVISM

(1877-1920)
Immigration, Migration, and Urbanization in America

 

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Content Statement #10

Immigration, internal migration, and urbanization transformed American life.

Content Elaboration

Mass immigration at the turn of the 20th century made the country more diverse and transformed American life. Effects of mass immigration included:

·     filling a demand for workers;

·     diffusion of ethnic traits into American culture;

·     impacting the growth of cities; and

·     increased nativist sentiment.

 

Internal migration contributed to the growth of urban areas. Many people left their farms for the cities seeking greater job opportunities.

 

The Great Migration was the mass movement of African Americans who fled the rural South for the urban North. They sought to escape discrimination and secure better-paying jobs. The Great Migration helped transform northern cities economically (e.g., as workers and consumers) and culturally (e.g., art, music, and literature).

 

Urbanization transformed the physical nature of cities, including:

·     buildings becoming taller and tenement buildings providing housing for working families;

·     increased crime, disease, overcrowding, poor living conditions, and lack of sanitation services;

·     the emergence of ethnic neighborhoods;

·     improvements in public transportation; and

·     a growing middle class that could easily commute for employment and leisure activities.

 

This unit will explore the transformative effects of immigration, internal migration, and urbanization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Discover how these dynamic processes shaped American life, influenced cultural diversity and reshaped the physical landscape of cities. Get ready to delve into the stories of immigrants, migrants, and the evolving urban environment.

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Mass Immigration and Its Impact

At the turn of the 20th century, mass immigration brought waves of people from various countries to the United States. This influx of immigrants had far-reaching effects on American life. One significant impact was fulfilling the growing demand for workers in industries nationwide. Immigrants filled vital roles and contributed to the economic growth of the country.

The Registry Room at Ellis Island was often crowded.

The immigrants waited for processing here.

Immigrants are seated on long benches in the Registry Room at Ellis Island in New York Harbor.

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs:

Photography Collection/New York Public Library Digital Collection

 

The arrival of diverse immigrant groups also resulted in the diffusion of ethnic traits into American culture. New customs, languages, and traditions enriched the nation's social fabric, influencing everything from food and fashion to music and art. The blending of different cultures contributed to the unique identity of the United States.

https://cdn.brainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/immigration/relatedreading/assets/images/18081.png

However, the influx of immigrants also fueled nativist sentiment. Some Americans viewed the newcomers as threatening job opportunities and cultural traditions. Nativist movements emerged, advocating for restrictive immigration policies and expressing hostility towards immigrants. This tension between native-born Americans and immigrants shaped social and political landscapes during this period.

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Internal Migration and the Growth of Cities

Internal migration played a crucial role in the transformation of American society. Many individuals and families left their rural farms and agricultural communities behind in search of better job opportunities in urban areas. This internal migration contributed to the rapid growth of cities across the country.

Page content as an image

As people flocked to urban centers, cities experienced significant changes. The physical landscape of cities transformed, with buildings reaching new heights. Tenement buildings emerged, housing working-class families, but often characterized by overcrowding and poor living conditions.

 

However, urbanization came with its challenges. Increased crime, disease, and inadequate sanitation services became prevalent issues. Overcrowding and the lack of proper living conditions posed health risks for many urban residents. The emergence of ethnic neighborhoods showcased the diversity of the population and contributed to the cultural mosaic of urban areas.

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The Great Migration and African-American Experience

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North. Seeking to escape discrimination, racial violence, and limited opportunities in the South, African Americans migrated in search of better lives and employment prospects.

 

The Great Migration profoundly impacted both northern cities and the African-American community. Economically, African Americans contributed as workers and consumers, contributing to the growth of industries in the urban North. Culturally, the migration fostered artistic, musical, and literary achievements, creating a vibrant cultural scene and showcasing the richness of African-American contributions to American society.

The Arthurs, an African American family moving to the urban North from the rural South,

arrived in Chicago, Illinois, in 1920. The family left their hometown of Paris, Texas,

after two family members were murdered because of their race in an attack called a lynching.

Great Migration

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division,

The New York Public Library (1168439)

 

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Urbanization and Its Consequences

Urbanization brought about significant changes in cities' physical, social, and economic aspects. Buildings grew taller, symbolizing the urban landscape, while tenement buildings provided housing for working families in cramped conditions. The rapid growth of cities also led to increased crime rates and challenges related to disease control and public health.

 

Amidst these challenges, improvements in public transportation facilitated mobility within urban areas. The emergence of ethnic neighborhoods allowed communities to maintain their cultural identities and support one another. Additionally, the growing middle class, with the ability to commute easily, experienced new opportunities for employment and leisure activities.

The New York Gothams in 1884. During the Gilded Age, the first professional baseball leagues formed.

The Gothams later became the New York Giants and then the San Francisco Giants. 

Photo of the New York Gothams baseball team.

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The processes of immigration, internal migration, and urbanization had a profound impact on American life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mass immigration transformed the nation's workforce and enriched its cultural tapestry. Internal migration fueled the growth of cities and provided new opportunities for individuals seeking better lives. The Great Migration reshaped the northern urban landscape and contributed to African-American cultural achievements. Urbanization brought both advancements and challenges, with taller buildings, ethnic neighborhoods, and improved transportation systems, but also issues of overcrowding, crime, and sanitation.