An essay that synthesizes primary sources and answers the question: How did immigration affect immigrants and other Americans around the year 1900?
(Use evidence from at least three primary source documents. Clearly identify which documents you are using.)
(Use information from at least two other sources. Correctly cite your sources)
Around the year 1900, immigration had a significant impact on both immigrants and other Americans. Through the analysis of primary sources such as the Immigrant Letter, Immigration Report, and Skilled Workers' Testimony, as well as secondary sources, it becomes evident that immigration during this time period brought both opportunities and challenges for individuals on both sides of the spectrum.
The Immigrant Letter, written by a newly arrived immigrant to America in the early 1900s, provides a firsthand account of the challenges faced by immigrants. The author describes the difficult conditions on the ship, the uncertainty of their future in a new country, and the struggle to find employment. This source highlights the emotional and physical toll that immigration could have on individuals as they left behind their homes and families in search of a better life.
On the other hand, the Immigration Report presents a more systematic analysis of the impact of immigration on American society. The report details the economic contributions of immigrants, particularly in industries such as manufacturing and agriculture. It also discusses the cultural diversity brought by immigrants and their role in shaping the identity of America as a melting pot of cultures. This primary source illustrates how immigration served to enrich and strengthen the fabric of American society.
Additionally, the testimony of skilled workers sheds light on the competition and tensions that arose between immigrants and native-born Americans. Skilled workers expressed concern over the influx of immigrant labor, which they believed threatened their jobs and wages. This source reveals the struggles faced by American workers in adapting to a changing labor market as a result of immigration.
In his book "How the Other Half Lives," Jacob Riis provides further insight into the living conditions of immigrants in urban areas around 1900. Riis documents the overcrowded tenements, unsanitary conditions, and lack of access to basic amenities faced by immigrant families. This secondary source underscores the challenges and hardships experienced by immigrants as they tried to make a living in the new country.
Overall, immigration around the year 1900 had a complex impact on both immigrants and other Americans. While immigrants faced challenges such as economic hardship and cultural assimilation, they also contributed to the growth and diversity of American society. Native-born Americans, meanwhile, grappled with the effects of increased competition in the labor market and social tensions arising from cultural differences. The synthesis of primary and secondary sources reveals the multifaceted nature of immigration during this time period and its lasting effects on American society.