Transformation and Continuity in Immigration between 1877-1920

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Title: Transformation and Continuity in Immigration between 1877-1920

Introduction:
The period between 1877 and 1920 witnessed significant changes and continuities in the realm of immigration to the United States. This essay aims to identify and describe one significant change and one element that remained consistent throughout this time period, using specific historical evidence to support these observations.

Body:

Change: Shift in Immigration Patterns
One significant change in immigration between 1877 and 1920 was the shift in immigration patterns. During this period, there was a notable transition from primarily Western European immigration to an influx of immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe.

Specific historical evidence supporting this change can be seen in the data from the United States Immigration Commission (also known as the Dillingham Commission), which was established in 1907 to study immigration trends. The commission’s findings revealed that prior to 1890, over 75% of immigrants originated from Western European countries such as Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. However, by the early 1900s, there was a significant increase in immigration from Eastern and Southern European countries, including Italy, Poland, and Russia.

This change in immigration patterns led to shifts in cultural diversity within the United States and prompted debates over assimilation, labor competition, and national identity. The influx of new immigrant groups brought forth challenges and opportunities for American society.

Continuity: Nativist Sentiment and Restrictive Policies
Despite the changing immigration patterns, one element that remained consistent during this time period was the existence of nativist sentiment and the implementation of restrictive immigration policies.

Specific historical evidence supporting this continuity can be seen in the passage of several legislative acts that aimed to restrict immigration. One notable example is the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the United States. This act was the first significant federal law that restricted immigration based on nationality, reflecting a long-standing nativist sentiment against Chinese immigrants.

Another example is the Immigration Act of 1917, which implemented literacy tests for immigrants over the age of sixteen. This act aimed to limit immigration from countries with high illiteracy rates and further restricted entry into the United States.

These legislative acts, along with other anti-immigrant sentiments prevalent during this time, demonstrate the continuity of nativist attitudes and restrictive policies that sought to limit the flow of immigrants coming to the United States.

Conclusion:
The period between 1877 and 1920 witnessed both significant changes and continuities in immigration to the United States. The shift in immigration patterns from Western European countries to Eastern and Southern European countries was a notable change during this time. This shift brought about cultural diversity and shaped discussions on assimilation and national identity.

Despite this change, nativist sentiment and the implementation of restrictive immigration policies remained constant. Acts such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Act of 1917 exemplify the continuous efforts to limit immigration based on nationality or literacy.

By examining these changes and continuities, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration during this transformative period in American history. It allows us to reflect on how these dynamics influenced societal attitudes and policies regarding immigration, shaping the nation’s demographic makeup and identity.