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

Key Topic

• American responses to international immigrants during the period of 1865-1898.

Context

• Period of the Gilded Age.
• Massive influx of European and Asian immigrants.
• Settlement mainly in urban industrial centers, working in factories under harsh conditions.

Debates and Concerns

• Identity Concern: Immigrants perceived as not "American" in appearance, behavior, or language.
• Immigrant Assimilation: Debate over assimilation versus maintaining native identities.

Nativism

• Definition: Policy of protecting native-born interests over immigrants.
• Key Figures: Henry Cabot Lodge advocating for protection against "race suicide."
• Nativist Groups:
  • American Protective Association (APA): Strongly opposed to Catholics, mainly due to Irish Catholic immigration.

Labor Union Opposition

• Fear of immigrants undercutting wages and undermining negotiation power.
• Labor unions concerned about immigrants replacing union workers.

Social Darwinism

• Application of Darwin's theories to society; viewed immigrants as racially inferior.
• Belief that Irish immigrants, although white, were racially different.

West Coast Immigration

• Predominantly Asian immigrants, notably Chinese.
• Chinese contributions to transcontinental railroad construction.
• Chinese Exclusion Act (1882):
  • Banned all Chinese immigration.
  • First and only U.S. law targeting specific nationality exclusion.

Positive Responses

• Jane Addams and Settlement Houses:
  • Established Hull House in 1889 for immigrant support in Chicago.
  • Aimed to assist immigrants in assimilation to gain better economic and social opportunities.
  • Provided English education, early childhood programs, and cultural outings to teach democratic ideals.

Conclusion

• Immigrant struggles during the Gilded Age faced considerable opposition.
• Efforts like those of Jane Addams helped mitigate negative impacts and support immigrant communities.