Name: ____________
Assignment:
Write a story about a person who immigrated to America in the 1800s. This story should include the challenges they faced arriving here, their impact on the economy, and their cultural impact on American society. The goal is to connect with the experience of an immigrant coming to America in the 1800s. Try to practice empathy as you write and personally connect with the challenges they faced. Write this story from the perspective of a young teenager coming to America with their family to work and start a new life.
Use the following links for further details. The primary sources below should inspire aspects of your story!
Stories of Immigrants coming to America
A Child's Journey through Ellis Island: From Dream to Reality
Annie Moore: The first immigrant through Ellis Island
Write your story in Google Classroom. Your story should be at least 1 page in length.
Answer these questions in your story (highlight the part of the story that shows this information):
Where is your character from, and how does that impact their experience in America?
(what jobs do they get, what are they paid compared to Americans or other immigrants, where do they live, what language do they speak?)
Explain how your character and other immigrants of that time influenced the economy and politics of the country. (think about their impact on cities, transportation, laws)
Use this outline to create your character:
Your character’s home country ____________________
Why did your character’s family move to America? __________________
What is happening in their home country
What drew them to America
Do they have other family members here
Which immigration station did your character’s family come through? _________________
What are their 1st impressions of America?
What city/state did they move to ___________________
What type of job do they (or their parents) have?
What language do they speak?
How are they treated as compared to previous immigrants?
What are the challenges they faced?
Rubric:
Introduction (background of character) 10pts ______
Description of the impact of origin on their experience (min 5 sentences) 30pts ______
Influence on the American economy (min 5 sentences) 30pts ______
Influence on American politics (min 3 sentences) 20pts ______
Organization and mechanics 10pts ______
Name: Sarah Rodriguez
Assignment:
Sarah Rodriguez’s family moved to America from Mexico in the 1800s. The Rodriguez family had heard stories of the opportunities and the promise of a better life in America, and they wanted to escape the economic hardships and political instability they were facing in their home country. Life in Mexico had become increasingly difficult for the Rodriguez family due to the constant political unrest and lack of job opportunities.
When the Rodriguez family arrived in America, they were greeted by the overwhelming sights and sounds of Ellis Island. The long lines, the language barriers, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead only added to their anxiety. However, as the first immigrant family to pass through Ellis Island, they were filled with hope and courage.
Settling in the bustling city of New York, Sarah’s parents found work in factories, taking whatever jobs they could to make ends meet. They worked tirelessly, toiling long hours for meager wages. The language barrier made it challenging for them to communicate with their employers and co-workers, often resulting in miscommunication and frustration. Discrimination was also a constant issue, as they were frequently treated as inferior to their American counterparts.
Despite the adversities they faced, the Rodriguez family's hard work and determination had a significant impact on the American economy. Sarah’s parents, along with countless other immigrants, contributed to the growth of industries such as textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture. Their cheap labor was exploited, as they were paid significantly less than American workers for the same tasks. The influx of immigrants also led to the expansion of cities and the development of transportation systems to accommodate the growing population.
In addition to their economic influence, the Rodriguez family and other immigrants of the time had a profound impact on American politics. As more and more immigrants settled in American cities, they formed tight-knit communities that supported each other and fought for their rights. They demanded fair working conditions, higher wages, and equal treatment. Their advocacy and collective strength led to the establishment of labor unions and the passage of laws protecting workers' rights.
Sarah’s family faced numerous challenges as they navigated their new life in America. The language barrier made it difficult for them to communicate and integrate into society. They worked long hours in dangerous conditions, often sacrificing their health for meager pay. They faced discrimination and prejudice from both fellow immigrants and Americans who viewed them as a threat to their livelihoods. Despite these challenges, they persevered, driven by the hope of a better future for themselves and their children.
As time went on, Sarah and her family became more settled in America. They learned English, gained education, and embraced their Mexican heritage while also adopting American customs. They strived to blend their cultural traditions with the opportunities and values they found in their new home.
Sarah Rodriguez and the countless other immigrants who arrived in America during the 1800s left an indelible mark on the country's economy and politics. Their resilience, hard work, and determination transformed America into the prosperous and diverse nation it is today. Their story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and contributions immigrants have made throughout history, shaping and enriching the fabric of American society.