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.
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These immigrants constituted nearly 14 percent of the U.S. population by 1900 and faced discrimination and xenophobia
"Old" Immigrants
These immigrants arrived before the 1880s from Northern and Western Europe, had financial resources and skills, and were predominantly Protestant
"New" Immigrants
These immigrants arrived from Southern and Eastern Europe from the 1880s onward, often with limited means and cultural differences, and were known as "Birds of Passage."
The U.S. government implemented laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Immigration Act of 1917, and the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 to limit immigration based on national origins
Irish immigration to the United States began in the mid-19th century due to the Great Famine, with approximately 4.5 million Irish emigrating by 1930
Irish immigrants initially held low-wage jobs but gained political power within the Democratic Party and organizations like Tammany Hall
Immigration from Latin America, particularly Mexico, grew due to economic opportunities and the Mexican Revolution
The Great Depression in the 1930s significantly reduced immigration from Latin America due to worsening economic conditions
Immigrants were drawn to the industrial and agricultural sectors in the U.S. but often faced exploitation and harsh working conditions
Immigrants established ethnic enclaves, such as Chinatowns and Little Italies, to preserve their culture and community
The rapid population increase and presence of diverse immigrant groups sparked isolationist and nativist sentiments among some Americans
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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.
