American Diversity

Pre-Industrialization Immigration

Mar 10, 1800

Prior to the peak of Industrialization (roughtly 1880), most immigrants had come from the British Isles and western Europe, cheiftly Gemany (emphasis on Germany- as there were great famines) and Scandinavia. Typically Protestant and Catholic, high literacy, and were able to hold voice in representative government. They fit relatively easy in American society, and most took up farming.

Chinese Population Increase

Mar 10, 1840

With economic harships and political turmoil, Chinese immigrants poured into the Americas between 1840-1900. With them, they brought their culture and customs, a first indicator that America would develop into the melting pot that it is. However, the Chinese would also come and face many hardships and unfair proclaimations, like the Chinese Exclusion Act.

California Gold Rush

Mar 10, 1848

Discovery of gold in California attracts people from all over the world to American's Pacific coast. This brought many different walks of life to one central location, stimulating diversity among a set population.

Irish Potato Famine

Mar 10, 1852

The well-known famine in Ireland turned Irish life upside down, changing demographics, political, and culturual aspects. Due to this, many Irish people migrated to America, and brought their culture with them.

European Immigration

Mar 10, 1880

'New Immigrants' came from southern and eastern Europe; Italians, Croats, Slovaks, Greeks, Poles. Many were Jewish. Little democracy where they came from so American was a large adjustment. Impoverished and illiterate. Sought after factory jobs. Population in Old World was growing too large, and the idea of capitalism was attractive. Had difficulty assimilating to life in new land, and established American truly as a melting pot.

Jewish Population Swarms In

Mar 10, 1881

Russians turned violently upon their own Jews, particularly in the Polish areas. Tens of thousands of these refugees fled for America. They were used to city life, and broght with their skills of tailoring and shopkeeing.

Japanese Workers Come to America

Mar 10, 1884

Japanese workers migrated to American's Pacific Coast in order to toil on the sugar plantations in Hawaii, then in California as farm laborers, railroad workers, and servants. Like the Chinese and other populations before them, they did not assimilate well into American society and brought their culture with them.

Statue of Liberty

Mar 10, 1886

The establishment of the Statue of Liberty became the symbolic representation of Opportunity in America, encouraging laborers and people to migrate to American (despite the fact that American didn't actually want them!)

A Step For Women

Mar 10, 1898

At this time, women (for the most part) have abandoned farm life, and entered the city, becoming more involved econommically and more individualized. This was a different path than from man always being ahead. Women were taking a step up in new industrialized America.

Filipinos Come To Hawaii

Mar 10, 1906

Filipino immigrants came the United States to work in Hawaii as cheap labour through the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association. As if the Hawaiians weren't cultured enough(!) the Filipinos brought much of their traditional customs.

NAACP

Mar 10, 1909

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which helped the quick assimilation of blacks into American life (though this was impossible)

U.S. Grants Puerto Ricans Citizenship

Mar 10, 1917

When the U.S. grants Puerto Ricans Citizenship, many rushed to find jobs in Arizona, New Jersey,and Utah, but particularly New York, falling into city life and the factory jobs. Tehy assimilated into daily life suprisingly well, however they naturally brought their lifestyles with them.