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Introduction of the american society change in 1920
Introduction of the american society change in 1920
Reforms in late 1800s America
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“Melting Pot” or Salad Bowl” Between 1865 and 1900, America was shifting from rural to urban. “...three great forces of change—industrialization, immigration, and urbanization were transforming the nature of American society in the late 19th century” (Newman 358). These forces were not only separating people, but also bringing them together. Many historians look at America during this era (1865-1900) as a “melting pot” or a “salad bowl”, but at the turn of the century, the United States was more like a soup. It contained chunks of different ethnic groups, but its broth was the national American culture. “In the last half of the 19th century, the U.S. population increased more than threefold, from about 23.2 million in 1850 to 76.2 million in 1900” (Newman 359). People were immigrating from all over the world to gain new opportunities and live the “American Dream”. Immigrants were separated by various things such as race, religion, education, and wealth. “Old” immigrants came from northern and western Europe, were mostly Protestants, were able to read and write, and had skills from previous work; it was simple for them to become accustomed to American life. “New” immigrants, on the other hand, came from southern and eastern Europe. They were penniless, uneducated, weren’t accustomed to Democratic society, and were mostly Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Jewish. Immigrants were separated by these two generations, but they were all working to move their way up in American society and provide a better life for their families. There were also things that united Americans against immigrants, like the American Protective Association and the contract labor law. These were created to protect Americans and restrict i... ... middle of paper ... ...ether is the American dream and culture. Many Americans and immigrants alike were working hard toward the “American dream”, which brought them together. Streetcars, suburbs, and income separated the affluent from the poor. Some immigrants were also segregated by where they were from, their religion, or their working abilities. Nonetheless, in the cramped ghettos and tenements of the city, immigrants adopted different cultures and some of each others traditions. This era was significant because it unified America as a whole for future events, like both World Wars, for instance. More importantly, we see some of the same things connecting and bringing us apart as Americans in society today. Works Cited Newman, John J., and John M. Schmalbach. United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination. New York, NY: Amsco School Publications, 1998. Print.