1. List and explain Push and Pull factors on immigration to the USA

2. Identify regional locations and factors on each of the 4 major waves of immigration into the USA

3. Display (through map work) the relocation of various groups of people into the USA and how that influenced the regions food, language, customs beliefs, etc

4. Explain the various laws and restrictions on various ethnic groups trying to enter the USA

5. Explain the reason Ellis Island was created and the process it applied to various groups of immigrants

6. Explain the role of Angel Island in Calif and the unique challenges California dealt with in the area of immigration

7. List and explain the various steps in Cultural Assimilation

Focus Statement

Historians identify three distinct periods of immigration, the Old Wave (colonial period up to the Civil War), predominantly from Northern and Western Europe, the New Wave (late 1800's to 1920's), predominantly from Southern and Eastern Europe, and the "most recent" (since World War II), predominantly from Latin America and Asia.

Dissatisfaction with conditions in their home countries (i.e. Irish Potato Famine, Russian Pogroms, political unrest, etc.) and anticipation of better conditions in the United States and Canada motivated and still motivate many to migrate.

The Industrial Revolution in America led to rapid technological changes in transportation, industry and agriculture providing jobs and opportunities for the population.

New Wave immigrant labor accelerated America's transition from a rural/agrarian to an urban/industrial society.

Interaction between immigrants and established American society changed and challenged both, resulting in controversies over assimilation and cultural identity.

Contributions of diverse immigrant groups enrich American culture.

Ellis Island Fotonovela Project