Scott Phinney - Immigration and Nativism

1. Immigration and Nativism In the Mid 19th Century

2. Nativism • Because of immigration, a feeling of Nativism developed. • Nativism is a belief that American should be for “True Americans”. • Generally the definition of a “True American” was a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant.

3. Nativism • Prejudice was often directed toward the Irish and Catholic. • Prejudice varied in different Nativism groups.

4. Nativism • The first of these groups were secret fraternal societies • The Order of United Mechanics • The Order of the Sons of America • The United Daughters of America • The Order of United Americans

5. Nativism • Some Protestant organizations instated Anti-Catholic programs. • In the west however, the focus was mainly on anti immigration, and many non-WASP’s were among their ranks.

6. Nativism • Some of these groups took a political stance. • One of those groups was The Order of the Star Spangled Banner. They were also known as the “Know Nothing Party” because of intense secrecy. • This party was successful with many congressional and Gubernatorial victories.

7. “The Know Nothings” • The party incorporated the Whigs and became the “American Party”. Millard Fillmore, a member of the Order of the Star Spangled Banner, ran under the American Party for President. • The American Party helped form the Republican Party. The parties stance changed towards abolition.

8. Immigration • Nativism would not have come into existence without immigration • Immigration to America was very popular. • In 1845, over 100,000 immigrants arrived in America.

9. Immigration in the 1800’s

10. Immigration - Voyage • The trip to America was difficult. It took up to three months, and the ship conditions were terrible. • There often wasn’t enough food or water. The conditions in steerage were cramped, airless, and unsanitary. Disease was everywhere.

11. Illness on the Ships In 1849, a ships passenger list had 475 sick, 658 dead, and 76 born. A ratio of 60 percent illness was not uncommon.

12. Immigration - Causes • During the 19th century, the population of Europe was growing quickly, and the crops were often doing badly. • The peasant workers moved into the cities to work. There weren’t many factory jobs available. They were destined to lead a terrible life unless they could escape.

13. Immigration • America was in much better shape than Europe. • We had an expanding economy with lots of job available with good wages. • Free land was even given out to immigrants. All they had to do was develop it.

14. Immigration - From Germany • Germans immigrated to America because of: • political unrest • crop failures • mortgage foreclosures • poor trade prospects • At first, Americans didn’t like German culture. In time, Germans were seen as model citizens.

15. Immigration - Ireland • The Irish immigrated to American because of: • the potato famine of 1845-47 • economic restrictions • religious restrictions • At first, the Irish had a hard time advancing in the work place. They took the most menial and dangerous jobs for the lowest wages. In time, the began getting involved in city politics.

16. Immigration • Immigration continued to flourish in America. • A large number of immigrants moved here between 1890 and 1930.

17. Thanks