Daily Life in Immigrant America, 1870-1920

Book excerpt: The second wave of US immigration—from 1870 to 1920—brought over twenty-six million men, women, and children onto American shores. This in-depth study of the period underscores the diversity of peoples who came to the U.S. and highlights the significant shifts in geographic origins—from northern and western Europe to southern and eastern Europe—that occurred in the late nineteenth century and led to distinguishing between old and new immigrants. Thematic chapters provide an overview of the daily lives of these migrants, including distribution and settlement patterns, individual and family migrations, and permanent and temporary residency. Also discussed are demographics and characteristics of each ethnic group, as well as pressures to Americanize and other facets of adjusting to a new country and culture. An ideal source for students of American history and culture, this comprehensive work features over 40 engaging photos, a glossary of key terms, a chronology of events, and an extensive print and nonprint bibliography.