How Did American Culture Affect Society

“Between 1880 and 1920, a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization, America received more than 20 million immigrants.”1 They came from several different areas for several different reasons. The typical rationale for leaving their home, and everything they knew, was to make a better life for their family. However, little did they know, this massive influx of immigrants would affect Americans culturally, and influence strong reactions among native-born Americans.

What was American culture during this time period? According to Henry James, a native-born novelist, their culture was democratic, English speaking, and Protestant.2 The newcomers stepping off the boat into America, and into this culture, did not speak English, had many different religions, and were not democratic. As one

Unfortunately, due to the immense amount of immigrants, housing was constantly divided into smaller living quarters. The rapidly industrializing city was unable to keep up with the demands of housing. Families would be crammed into spaces that were poorly lit, and they would also lack plumbing and ventilation. These areas were called tenements. Naturally, these poor living conditions led to altercations and unrest. Due to this immigrants were viewed as bringing crime, vice, and immorally to America.2 One might say this changed the culture of America. In order to agree or disagree, one must define what culture is. Culture may be defined as, “The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.” Did overpopulation and tenements change the quality of American society? Yes, tenements greatly deteriorated the health of Americans. In these apartment like structures, disease would spread and there would be sewage in the street. The natives did despised the change in culture. This would lead to a strong reaction and