Concerns About Immigration in the Late 19th Century
TITLE
Explain why there were concerns about immigration in the late nineteenth century.
ESSAY
In the late nineteenth century, the United States experienced a significant influx of immigrants, leading to various concerns among the native-born population. One of the primary reasons for these concerns was the demographic shift in the origins of immigrants. Unlike previous waves of immigration, many of the newcomers in this period were not of Anglo-Saxon Protestant descent. Instead, they came from Catholic countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Jewish communities in Russia. This cultural and religious diversity raised fears among nativist groups who were wary of the perceived threat to the dominant Anglo-Saxon Protestant culture of the country.
The concentration of these new immigrant communities in urban areas, such as New York City, gave rise to ethnic enclaves like Little Italy and Chinatown. The rapid growth of these neighborhoods led to overcrowding and changes in the social fabric of once homogeneous districts, unsettling existing residents and triggering negative reactions towards the newcomers.
Moreover, the issue of alcoholism and drunkenness also became a point of concern associated with mass immigration. The arrival of immigrants who came from regions with different drinking customs and consumption patterns exacerbated social issues related to alcohol abuse. To combat this problem, the Anti-Saloon League was established to advocate for prohibition laws and curb the negative impacts of alcohol on society.
Furthermore, the influx of immigrants also played a role in the development of corrupt political practices, such as the Boss system. Immigrant communities were often exploited by political bosses who wielded significant power and influence over their lives, using them for electoral gains through patronage and other means of control. This led to a sense of distrust and disillusionment among the general population regarding the integrity of the political system.
In conclusion, the concerns about immigration in the late nineteenth century were multi-faceted and rooted in cultural, social, and political factors. The demographic changes brought about by the influx of non-WASP immigrants, the formation of ethnic enclaves, social problems like alcoholism, and political corruption all contributed to the unease and apprehension felt by many Americans towards the waves of newcomers arriving in the country during this period.
SUBJECT
HISTORY
PAPER
AS LEVEL
NOTES
**Concerns About Immigration in the Late Nineteenth Century**
- Many of the new immigrants which arrived in the United States were not WASPs. Instead they came from Catholic countries in the South and East of Europe or were Jews from Russia. Nativist groups expressed concern about the impact of new religions and cultures as a result.
- As a result of the new immigration, areas of large cities (such as New York) that were predominantly populated by one ethnic group, e.g., Little Italy in New York, grew. This often led to overcrowding and rapid changes in the appearance and feel of neighborhoods, both of which elicited negative reactions.
- Drunkenness and alcoholism were another social problem that resulted from mass immigration. Thus, the Anti-Saloon League was formed.
- Development of Boss system and growth of political corruption. Accept any other valid responses.