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The Great Wave of Immigration in the United States (1890-1920)

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The Great Wave of Immigration between 1890 and 1920 saw the U.S. welcome 18 million new residents, transforming its demographic landscape. These immigrants, mainly from Eastern and Southern Europe, fueled the labor demands of the Second Industrial Revolution but faced challenges such as discrimination and harsh living conditions. The era also witnessed the rise of restrictive immigration policies, reflecting the nativist sentiments of the time. Additionally, Irish and Latin American immigration had significant cultural and political impacts on American society.

The Great Wave of Immigration: 1890-1920

The period from 1890 to 1920 in the United States is often referred to as the Great Wave of Immigration. During these three decades, the nation welcomed around 18 million new residents, largely fueling the labor demands of the Second Industrial Revolution. These immigrants, many of whom found employment in burgeoning industries such as manufacturing, mining, and construction, played a crucial role in the country's economic expansion. Despite their contributions, immigrants frequently endured difficult living and working conditions and faced discrimination and xenophobia. This era was characterized by a significant demographic transformation, with immigrants constituting nearly 14 percent of the U.S. population by 1900, predominantly from Eastern and Southern Europe.
Early 20th-century port scene with immigrants disembarking from a moored steamship, horse-drawn carts on the dock, and other ships in the calm harbor.

Old Immigrants Versus New Immigrants

The immigrants of this era were often distinguished as "old" and "new" immigrants. The "old" immigrants, who arrived before the 1880s, mainly came from Northern and Western Europe, particularly Germany and the British Isles. They typically had some financial resources, possessed skills that were in demand, and were predominantly Protestant, which facilitated their assimilation into American society. Many settled in rural communities. In contrast, the "new" immigrants arriving from the 1880s onward were primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italy, Russia, the Balkans, and Poland. These individuals often arrived with limited financial means and little knowledge of English, seeking work in the United States with the intention of eventually returning to their homelands. Their transient nature and cultural differences made their assimilation more challenging, leading to the moniker "Birds of Passage" for those who planned to return after earning money.

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Timeframe of the Great Wave of Immigration in the U.S.

1890 to 1920, marked by mass immigration.

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Primary industries employing new immigrants during the Great Wave.

Manufacturing, mining, and construction industries.

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Immigrant population percentage in the U.S. by 1900.

Nearly 14 percent, mostly from Eastern and Southern Europe.

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