Urbanization and
Immigration
Maanas, Tammy, Chris H, Chris Y and Jeremy
"Melting Pot"
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A "mixture of people of different cultures and races who blended
together by abandoning their native languages and customs"
(442 Littell)
o The assimilation of immigrants from foreign countries
o A drastic increase in diversity and multicultural activities
o A large blend of religions, races, beliefs, cultures, and
traditions
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Despite being accepted into society, many immigrants decided to
refrain from changing their cultural identities.
As more and more immigrants came to America, whites and
Americans began to resent these immigrants and the
government passed legislation that enforced restrictions on
immigrant rights.
Melting Pot Cartoon
From where and for what reasons did
immigrants travel to America?
Nativism
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The political position of demanding a favored status for certain
established inhabitants of a nation as compared to immigrants. It
was a response to the growing numbers of immigrants in the United
States.
"Nativism" gained its name from "Native American" parties.
Immigrants from West and Northern Europe were considered
superior.
In 1896, Congress passed a bill to require for literacy test for
newcomers, but it was vetoed by president Cleveland.
Examples of Nativism
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Anti-Chinese Nativism--- very different language and culture, lower
wages required (job opportunities were extremely scarce during the
depression of 1873), etc.
The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)
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Nativist group: American Protective Association (1887)
anti-Catholic attacks
colleges/businesses/social clubs refused to
admit Jews
Nativism Political Cartoon-The High Tide of Immigration
What does the artist trying to convey in this cartoon? What is the
artist's sentiment towards the massive immigration?
Problems with Urbanization
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Housing- there were not enough houses to contain the
massive influx of people
Tenements- these were houses divided into different
sections to hold more people, every tenement in NYC
held 2/3 of the population
Fires- due to the extreme amount of people in each
house fire became a huge problem, one example of this
is the Chicago Fire of 1871
Crime- the approximated 16.3 million immigrants who
started in poverty, the crime rate was exuberantly high
Sanitization- there were not enough people to clean up
after the increased population leading to unsanitary
conditions
Problems With Urbanization
Political Cartoon
What aspect of urbanization does
this represent? How would you feel
in this situation?
Video on the Fire
Political Machines
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An organized group that controlled activities of a political party in a city
and offered services to voters and businesses in exchange for political
and financial support
Political Machines were structured like a pyramid
o Precinct workers and captains worked to gain support in small areas
o Ward bosses worked to secure votes in all the precinct's areas
o City bosses controlled activities of the political party throughout the
city
o City bosses had a lot of control over the cities, as they had the
power to hand out jobs (police, fire, sanitation dep.). They also had
the power to improve the city (sewage systems, build parks... etc)
o This gave bosses the power to reinforce voters' loyalty, win
additional political support, and extend their influence.
Political Machines Continued...
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Many political bosses were immigrants and worked
their way up the ranks. This allowed them to have a
special relationship with incoming immigrants since
they could communicate in the same language and
understood the problems that the newcomers faced.
The machines helped them find a place to live and get
a job. In return they received votes.
Corruption was also a big part of political machines.
They made up names and they cast votes under these
names. Also, kickbacks (illegal payments) were
present between bosses and workers. Political
machines also accepted bribes to allow illegal
activities.
Examples of Political Machines
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Tammany Hall and "Boss Tweed"- political machine that ruled NYC
The Tweed Ring Scandal- William "Boss" Tweed (head of NYC political
machine) was part of the tweed ring (corrupt politicians) who pocketed $200
million from kickbacks over the time they were in power. For example, the
city was going to build a county court house worth 3 million dollars but Boss
Tweed approved the plan for 11 million to pocket excess money.
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Convicted of fraud-sentenced to 12 years in prison
The Longshoremen- political machine that was in most coastal cities and they
controlled the ports
Pendergast- located in Missouri and led by "Big Tom"
Important Political Machine leaders- William Tweed(NYC), James Curley(Boston),
Thomas Pendergast(Missouri), Richard Daley (Chicago)
Political Machine Cartoon
What is being explained in this cartoon?
Urbanization and Immigration Quiz
1. What is a melting pot?
2. What is the idea of nativism?
3. What do you think was the biggest problem involved
with urbanization?
4. What were the effects of the lack of housing?
5. How did tenements affect safety?
6. What is a political machine?
7. What did the boss of a political machine have the
power to do?
8. Who were "superior" immigrants during the late 1800's?
Quiz Answers
1. Blending of different cultures in the same society
2. The political position of demanding a favored status for certain established
inhabitants of a nation as compared to immigrants.
3. Opinion
4. Fires, Crime, Unsanitary conditions
5. There were too many people in a small area causing unsanitary
conditions and fire hazards
6. An organized group that controlled activities of a political party in a city
and offered services to voters and businesses in exchange for political
and financial support.
7. They had the power to hand out jobs and improve the city
8. Immigrants from the West and the North Europe