Heimler's History: Responses to Immigration (1865-1898)

Overview

• Focus on the American responses to international immigrants during 1865-1898.
• Immigrants came in waves during the Gilded Age, primarily European and Asian.
• Settled in urban centers, often faced dangerous working conditions for low pay.

Debates Over Immigration

• Nativism:

  • Protection of native-born interests over immigrants.
  • Concerns over American identity with non-Americans.
  • Immigrants partially assimilated while retaining ethnic identities.
  • Led by figures like Henry Cabot Lodge, who feared "race suicide."
  • Organizations like the American Protective Association (APA) opposed Catholic immigrants, mainly Irish.

• Labor Unions:

  • Feared immigrants would work for lower wages, undermining union negotiations.
  • Concerned about immigrants replacing union workers during strikes.

• Social Darwinism:

  • Applied Darwin's theory to justify racial hierarchies.
  • Viewed immigrants, especially Irish, as racially inferior.

Responses to Chinese Immigrants

• Predominantly located on the West Coast.
• Contributed significantly to the transcontinental railroad and other labor jobs.
• Faced hostility due to economic fears, especially after the Panic of 1873.
• Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882:
  • Banned Chinese immigration, the only U.S. law targeting a specific nationality.

Positive Efforts

• Jane Addams and Settlement Houses:
  • Founded Hull House in 1889 to assist immigrant assimilation.
  • Offered English lessons, childhood education, and exposure to democratic ideals.
  • Provided recreational and social opportunities.

Conclusion

• Immigrants faced significant challenges and opposition during the Gilded Age.
• Nativism and economic fears drove much of the anti-immigrant sentiment.
• Positive efforts like those of Jane Addams provided some relief and support for immigrants.

Summary

• Understand the period's complex attitudes towards immigrants and their impact on American society.
• Remember key figures and legislation that shaped this era's immigration policies.