6.9 Responses to Immigration in the Gilded Age

New Immigration Waves

The Gilded Age saw a surge in "new immigrants" from Southern and Eastern Europe (Italians, Poles, Russian Jews) settling in Northern cities, alongside Chinese immigrants on the West Coast. They differed in language, religion, and culture from earlier "old immigrants" from Northern/Western Europe, sparking cultural friction and urban growth.

Nativism and Restriction

Rising nativism blamed immigrants for job competition, crime, and cultural change. Groups like the American Protective Association pushed anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant sentiment. Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882), the first major law banning immigration by nationality, reflecting West Coast labor fears and racial prejudice.

Urbanization and Reform Responses

Immigrants clustered in ethnic enclaves within rapidly growing cities, often in overcrowded tenements. Reformers like Jane Addams founded settlement houses (e.g., Hull House) offering social services. Political machines like Tammany Hall provided jobs and aid in exchange for votes, filling gaps left by weak city governments.

Key terms

New immigrants

Immigrants from Southern/Eastern Europe (Italians, Poles, Russian Jews) arriving in large numbers during the Gilded Age.

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)

First major U.S. law banning immigration based on nationality; barred Chinese laborers.

Nativism

Prejudice favoring native-born citizens over immigrants, often blaming immigrants for economic/social problems.

Settlement house

Community center (e.g., Hull House) offering education and services to immigrant families in cities.

Political machine

Urban organization (e.g., Tammany Hall) that traded jobs/services for votes, often aiding immigrants.

Try an AP-style question

The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) was the first law to…

1. ban immigration based on nationality
2. welcome all immigrants
3. grant citizenship to Chinese immigrants
4. ban European immigration