Introduction
During the period of 1870-1915, the demographics of America changed dramatically. Millions of immigrants from around the globe made their way in America. Perhaps no other in the world has hosted as many immigrants as America did in this period. According to a rough estimate, more than 14.5 million immigrants flooded America in the first two decades of nineteenth century . Initially, most of the immigrants were from northern and Western Europe but soon these immigrants were joined by southern and eastern Europeans. Along with it, Chinese and Mexican immigrants further intensified the immigration wave. All these immigrants had left their homes to escape from the harsh economic conditions and come America in hope of better future. Several other factors such as political instability, religious conflicts and deteriorating social structure at native homes also contributed to this massive immigration wave. A number of factory owners also sent their agents to hire cheap labor.
Discussion …show more content…
Most of the immigrants, especially those who came from southern and eastern Europeans, lacked industrial skills; and therefore they secured jobs in the bottom ranks of factories, mines and sweatshops. Too many immigrants joined such jobs in factories and mines that these low-paid jobs almost became exclusive preserve of the immigrants. By the start of World War I, almost 60 percent of labor force comprised of these new immigrants. Even after working for straight 12 hours and seven days a week, majority of these immigrants earned less than $12.50 a week. Some immigrants earned as low as $10.00. Besides industrial jobs, Mexican immigrants also went on to become farmers in America. A number of Mexican immigrants started working in the sugar beet
During the period of 1870-1915, the demographics of America changed dramatically. Millions of immigrants from around the globe made their way in America. Perhaps no other in the world has hosted as many immigrants as America did in this period. According to a rough estimate, more than 14.5 million immigrants flooded America in the first two decades of nineteenth century . Initially, most of the immigrants were from northern and Western Europe but soon these immigrants were joined by southern and eastern Europeans. Along with it, Chinese and Mexican immigrants further intensified the immigration wave. All these immigrants had left their homes to escape from the harsh economic conditions and come America in hope of better future. Several other factors such as political instability, religious conflicts and deteriorating social structure at native homes also contributed to this massive immigration wave. A number of factory owners also sent their agents to hire cheap labor.
Discussion …show more content…
Most of the immigrants, especially those who came from southern and eastern Europeans, lacked industrial skills; and therefore they secured jobs in the bottom ranks of factories, mines and sweatshops. Too many immigrants joined such jobs in factories and mines that these low-paid jobs almost became exclusive preserve of the immigrants. By the start of World War I, almost 60 percent of labor force comprised of these new immigrants. Even after working for straight 12 hours and seven days a week, majority of these immigrants earned less than $12.50 a week. Some immigrants earned as low as $10.00. Besides industrial jobs, Mexican immigrants also went on to become farmers in America. A number of Mexican immigrants started working in the sugar beet