Ellis Island

Ellis Island was often referred to as the "Gateway to the New World" because people were ushered from place to place until they exited a gate that would allow them access to America. The process of checking the immigrants was to make sure that each individual passed tests before being allowed to enter America. As many as one out of five immigrants did not pass the tests and were denied access to America. These people were returned to their homelands. If a person was sick and could possibly infect others, was suffering from mental illness, or was thought to be a criminal; the immigrant would be detained, eventually returned to the boat, and then returned to his or her homeland.

1.     What is your opinion of the immigrant testing process? Is it fair or unfair? Explain.
2.     Explain the purpose of the process.
3.     What modern ideas about immigration can you compare it to? Explain 

The Great Migration

As African Americans looked to the North for hope, Northern industries looked to the South for help. Railroad companies came to the South to find workers. They bought train tickets for African Americans willing to travel north for jobs. They promised black workers better jobs, better pay, and better lives.

         1.How was the Great Migration a result of Reconstruction?
  2. Do you think white southerners understand why African American were leaving the South?