How did ethnicity and race contribute to changes in the United States in the late nineteenth century?
They played a limited role.
They contributed to the view of America as a melting pot.
They contributed to social stratification.
They caused separate schools to develop for different ethnic groups.
In the late nineteenth century, ethnicity and race had significant impacts on the changes occurring in the United States. Here are the step-by-step contributions:
1. Limited Role: While ethnicity and race did have some influence, their role in shaping changes during this period was relatively limited. Other factors such as industrialization, urbanization, and immigration also played major roles.
2. Melting Pot: One contribution was the way ethnicity and race shaped the view of America as a melting pot. This idea emphasized the incorporation of diverse cultural backgrounds, with the hope that different ethnic and racial groups would blend and merge into a unified American society.
3. Social Stratification: Ethnicity and race also contributed to social stratification, which refers to the hierarchical division of society based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige. Discrimination and prejudice against certain racial and ethnic groups led to unequal access to resources, opportunities, and social status, reinforcing existing inequalities.
4. Separate Schools: Another impact was the development of separate schools for different ethnic and racial groups. This segregation of education stemmed from discriminatory practices and policies and resulted in unequal educational opportunities for different racial and ethnic communities.
In conclusion, while ethnicity and race played a limited role, they still contributed to changes in the United States during the late nineteenth century by shaping the conception of the country as a melting pot, perpetuating social stratification, and leading to segregated educational institutions.