Consider the fact that individuals who first came to the United States were in large part from

Question

Northern Europe and were considered "settlers," (before 1800's).

The first major wave of those
referred to as immigrants were admitted under law and restrictions were from Northern Europe
(1820-1880). The immigrations that occurred around the turn of the 20th century were largely
Southern and Eastern newcomers who were generally referred to in terms of Ethnicity (e.g.
Italian, Polish, Czechs, etc.). From this, construct some plausible reasons why the last wave of
migrants (Ethnic) were generally regarded with ill favor by the earlier settlers. What might have
been some fears and unfounded "facts?" What factors may have brought about changes in
attitudes?
What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The student must draw upon the entire article and perhaps some individual experiences in order
to answer this question. Expected answers would include references to ethnic ghettos, familism,
cultural dissonance, language barriers, paucity of adequate educational opportunities for adults,
fear of being replaced in the labor market, increasing industrial demand for unskilled labor.
Better availability of education for the succeeding generations, upward mobility of each
generation, proven ability in areas of white collar, educational, professional, work.
Consolidation of political power to serve interests of the more recent immigrants, and
moderation of cultural influences toward mainstream practices may be discussed.