- Provide a brief overview of the major immigrant communities in the Progressive Era.

3 answers

During the Progressive Era, which occurred roughly between the 1890s and 1920s, the United States experienced a significant influx of immigrants from various countries. The major immigrant communities during this period included:

1. Eastern and Southern Europeans: This group consisted of immigrants from countries such as Italy, Poland, Hungary, Russia, and the Balkans. They often settled in urban areas and worked in industrial jobs. They faced discrimination due to their perceived differences in language, religion, and customs.

2. Asians: Chinese and Japanese immigrants were a notable immigrant community during the Progressive Era. Chinese immigrants had long been present on the West Coast and were primarily engaged in labor-intensive jobs like railroad construction. However, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 severely restricted further Chinese immigration. Meanwhile, Japanese immigrants faced similar discrimination and restrictive legislation like the Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907.

3. Mexicans: Migration from Mexico to the United States increased during this era due to factors such as political unrest and economic opportunities. Mexican immigrants often worked in labor-intensive jobs like agriculture, mining, and railroad construction. However, they also faced discrimination and segregation.

4. Jews: Jews from Eastern Europe, primarily Russia and Poland, migrated to the United States during the Progressive Era, fleeing persecution and seeking economic opportunities. They settled in urban areas, particularly in the Northeast, and were engaged in various occupations, including peddling, tailoring, and entrepreneurship.

5. African Americans: While African Americans were not considered immigrants, the Great Migration occurred during the Progressive Era. Many African Americans moved from the rural South to urban areas in the North and Midwest to escape racial violence, economic inequality, and seek better opportunities. They faced discrimination and racism in both the Southern and Northern cities they migrated to.

Overall, the major immigrant communities in the Progressive Era were from Eastern and Southern Europe, Asia, Mexico, and Jewish immigrants, each facing unique challenges and contributing to the growth and diversity of the United States.
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During the Progressive Era, one major immigrant community was Eastern and Southern Europeans. Immigrants from countries such as Italy, Poland, Hungary, Russia, and the Balkans arrived in large numbers. They settled in urban areas and sought employment in industries such as mining, steel, and textiles. These immigrants faced discrimination and integration challenges due to perceived differences in language, religion, and customs. Nonetheless, they contributed to American society and played a crucial role in shaping the industrial and cultural landscape of the United States during this time.