The Role Of Immigration In The Early 20th Century

Headed to the ¨Promised Land¨ In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was most European and other foreign countries dream to go to the ¨promised land¨. They heard stories of the life they could have, and they wanted it. This idea became known as the ¨American Dream¨. People would leave everything behind to make the trip to America, hoping for a new beginning. Their expectations of America soon became clouded with the reality of what they were actually facing. Back home, immigrants had many challenges which caused them to come to America ("Immigration in the Early 1900s." ). They came there to escape religious or political persecution, for more economic opportunity, and some because there was famine in their homeland. They believed America was a place free of discrimination and offered freedom to all. America became known as a place that was full of hope and promises, and was often called the ¨promised land¨ ("Leaving Home for the "Promised Land"). Persecution and poverty throughout Europe started a mass migration to America. …show more content…
They would sell or leave all of their belongings. Many left family members and loved ones. Often times and entire family would work to send one family member to America, so they could work and save the money to send the rest over. Once aboard the ship, many immigrants traveled in steerage ("Leaving Home for the "Promised Land"). They found their extremely cramped, dark, and unsanitary living quarters where they would be staying for the next few weeks. Despite these miserable conditions, the immigrants had faith in the new life they were being