Industrial Age

The first Industrial Revolution in America began in the early 1800's. It changed the way products were made, from handwork to machines. It moved the workplace from cottages to factories. Later, it brought advances in transportation and communication. The Second Industrial Revolution built on these changes, introducing new technology and new sources of power.

How did industrialization and immigration change the face of American life?

Limiting Immigration

In the early 20th century, the immigration debate began. Many people felt immigration should be limited; others felt it should open to all.

Argument in favor of limiting immigration:

• Immigration needs to be limited so the people already in America can become "pure" Americans.

• Only immigrants who fit in and can contribute to the American character should be allowed to immigrate.

Argument against limiting immigration:

• America is a melting pot, where all races from all countries come together and melt into Americans.

• America gives everyone a fresh start, and every person deserves the opportunity for that fresh start.

Should immigration be limited? Explain

Chinese Exclusion

The Chinese Exclusion Act, the law that was made in 1882 was meant to control people from China living and working in the U.S. How do you feel about that law? Is it fair or unfair? Why?

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?

15th Amendment

The success of Congressional Reconstruction was short-lived. By the early 1900s,
Southern states had found new ways to rob African Americans of basic rights. It was
not until the 1960s that African Americans in the South would get to exercise their
full rights as U.S. citizens.

Why was the success of Congressional Reconstruction short lived?

Explain why it took nearly 100 years for African Americans to be able to exercise the rights they gained?

13th Amendment

Abraham Lincoln was opposed to slavery. He believed it to be morally wrong. He pointed to the
Declaration of Independence as proof that America was a nation where all men should be equal. But
Lincoln’s main goal in the Civil War was not to end slavery. He wanted to bring America back
together. He believed that someday slavery would fade away on its own.
By 1862, Lincoln had changed his mind. He was ready to free the slaves. On September 22, 1862,
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It promised that on January 1, 1863, all slaves in the
Confederacy would be freed.

1.    What choice would you have made in Lincoln's place? Explain you decision.

2.    What is your opinion of the 13^th Amendment? Explain you answer.