Impact of Immigration on Urban Growth

Nov 7, 2024

Immigration in Cities: Late 19th and Early 20th Century

Introduction

  • Focus on the growth of the United States through immigration and urbanization.
  • Urbanization is a global phenomenon, not just American.
  • Two groups moved to cities:
    • Young men and women from farms, especially after the Civil War.
    • Immigrants from various countries.

Urbanization Statistics

  • Census data shows the U.S. became an urban nation by 1920.
  • Urban vs. rural population dynamics:
    • 1790: 1 in 30 lived in towns.
    • 1840: 1 in 12.
    • 1870: 1 in 4.
    • 1900: 1 in 3.
    • 1910: 1 in 2.

Immigration Waves

  • Mid-19th century: Massive immigration (1850-1860: 5 million; 1865-1890: 10 million; 1890-1914: 15 million).
  • Predominantly from Europe:
    • English, Irish, German (early wave).
    • Southern and Eastern Europeans (later wave).
  • Immigration policy was lax until late 19th century.

Immigrant Experience

  • Birds of passage: temporary migrants (e.g., Italian laborers).
  • Permanent settlers, notably Russian Jews escaping pogroms.
  • Open-door policy until late 19th century; restrictions eventually imposed.

Cultural Integration

  • Immigrants often settled in enclaves, preserving culture and language.
  • Language transition over generations:
    • First generation: Native language.
    • Second generation: Bilingual.
    • Third generation: Mainly English.
  • The melting pot effect led to cultural assimilation.

Chicago as a Case Study

  • Enormous growth: from 1,500 (1830) to 1.5 million (1900).
  • Major economic activities: Meatpacking and railroads.
  • The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 led to urban restructuring.
  • Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" exposed meatpacking industry conditions.

Urban Living Conditions

  • Cities were overcrowded, unhygienic, and dangerous.
  • High infant mortality rates and poor sanitation.
  • Dumbbell tenements: Poor living conditions, especially in NYC.

Economic and Social Aspects

  • Cities associated with particular industries (e.g., Chicago with meatpacking).
  • Rise of mail-order companies like Sears Roebuck.

Conclusion

  • Urbanization and immigration reshaped American society.
  • Despite challenges, cities offered opportunities and were centers of growth.
  • Next lecture: Further exploration of city life and philosophical impacts.