Arrival to the United States
To millions around the world, the United States was the land of opportunity. It was seen as a place t escape persecution, poverty, and sickness to chase the American dream. What, though, was the arrival like for the many that came to this country through Ellis and Angel Island?
Ellis Island Images
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame, "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
- Emma Lazarus, New York City, 1883
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame, "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
- Emma Lazarus, New York City, 1883
The New Wave of Immigration (1880-1920)
Now that they have arrived, there are many questions to answer. Where did they come from? Why did the come to the United States? What did the people of America think of them? What was there life like? And maybe most importantly, how did the new wave of immigrants forever change our country? Explore the resources below to find out about these brave people.
Impact of New Immigration
"We were told that the streets of America were paved with gold. Upon arriving, we found that the streets were not paved with gold, nor paved at all, and that we were expected to pave them."
--Italian Immigrant circa 1890
--Italian Immigrant circa 1890
Urbanization
The cities as we know them today began to develop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Much like the cities today, there was a certain draw t the cities. But underneath the bright lights and restaurants, there was a side of the city that many did not want to be apart of.
Growth of US Cities
The Underside of Life in the Cities
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The Appeal of Living in the Cities
Response to the New Wave of Immigration
Not everyone was so happy with the immigrants pouring into the country. Nativists, those vehemently against these immigrants, led the charge to keep them out of the United States.
Nativist (Anti-Immigrant) Cartoons
"These men of many nations must be taught American ways, the English language, and the right way to live."
- Henry Ford, on immigrants
- Henry Ford, on immigrants
The Red Scare Political Cartoons
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"Hundreds of poor laboring men and women are being thrown into jails and police stations because of their political beliefs. In fact, an attempt is being made to deport an entire political party...And what is it these radicals seek? It is the right of free speech and free thought; nothing more than is guaranteed to them under the Constitution of the United States...It is doubly dangerous because we are trying to suppress something upon which our very country was founded - liberty." - Jane Adams, 1919
Sacco and Vanzetti Trial
The stacks were certainly stacked up against these two men in this trial. First, they were Italian immigrants living in a country dominated by nativists. Second, they were admitted anarchists. Could these two men possibly receive a fair trial for their supposed crimes?
" I wish to say to you that I am innocent. I have never done a crime, some sins, but never any crime. I thank you for everything you have done for me. I am innocent of all crime, not only this one, but of all, all. I am an innocent man. I now wish to forgive some people for what they are doing to me." - Bartolomeo Vanzetti
Sacco and Vanzetti: News Reports and Political Cartoons
The Second Red Scare: 1950s
The United States was under attack. But, by whom? The fear of communism consumed society and many individuals. This, though, led to the rise of Joseph McCarthy, who preyed on the fears of Americans to rise to power. Once again, the rights of individuals are restricted during times of war.
“Senator; you’ve done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?”
- Joseph Welch, US Army Attorney, to Joseph McCarthy, June 9, 1954
- Joseph Welch, US Army Attorney, to Joseph McCarthy, June 9, 1954
Joseph McCarthy Images and Political Cartoons
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“The reason why we find ourselves in a position of impotency is not because the enemy has sent men to invade our shores, but rather because of the traitorous actions of those who have had all the benefits that the wealthiest nation on earth has had to offer – the finest homes, the finest college educations, and the finest jobs in Government we can give.”
- Joseph McCarthy, February 9, 1950 |