How did immigration change during the period between the Civil War and the early 1900's?
To understand how immigration changed during the period between the Civil War and the early 1900s, there are several steps you can follow:
1. Research the general context: Start by understanding the historical backdrop of this period. The Civil War in the United States took place from 1861 to 1865, followed by the Reconstruction era. Then, analyze the events and developments in the country leading up to the early 1900s, such as industrialization, urbanization, and changes in labor demands.
2. Analyze immigration patterns before the Civil War: Immigration to the United States existed before the Civil War, but it was relatively small in scale compared to later periods. Focus on key sources of immigration such as Western and Northern Europe, including countries like Ireland and Germany.
3. Explore post-war immigration policies: Investigate how the end of the Civil War and subsequent events shaped immigration policies. Look into the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, and the subsequent 14th and 15th Amendments granting citizenship and voting rights to African Americans, respectively.
4. Study the push and pull factors: Identify the reasons why people migrated during this period. Examine the push factors, such as political instability, poverty, and lack of opportunities in their home countries, and the pull factors, including the promise of employment, land ownership, and potential for social mobility in the United States.
5. Examine significant immigration laws: Research notable immigration laws and policies that impacted the period you are studying. For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 restricted Chinese immigration, and the Immigration Act of 1891 established the federal inspection and regulation of immigration.
6. Analyze immigration statistics: Look into statistical data regarding immigration during this period. Focus on the countries of origin, the numbers of immigrants, and the specific years or decades that had significant waves of immigration.
By following these steps, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how immigration changed during the period between the Civil War and the early 1900s. Remember to consult credible sources such as historical texts, scholarly articles, and reputable websites to gather relevant and accurate information.