Question
Complete these activities.
Now turn your attention to the immigrant groups who settled in Kansas. Why did they leave their home countries, and why were they drawn to Kansas?
Click on the link below to view the article "Immigrants to Kansas: Why Did They Come?" on the Kansas State Historical Society's website. Select two immigrant groups related to Kansas to research. If possible, choose one connected to your heritage and one connected to your hometown or a nearby city or town.
Mexicans in Kansas:
The Story of Topeka
Kansas has had a relationship with Mexico for a long time. Mexico is a country in North
America. The Santa Fe Trail passed through Kansas. The trail connected the United States and
Mexico. American and Mexican traders traveled on the trail through Kansas. In the early days
only a few Mexicans immigrated to Kansas. As the railroads grew, more Mexicans immigrated
to the state.
Why did they leave Mexico?
Mexicans were like other immigrants. They came to Kansas looking for economic
opportunities. They also wanted a good life for their families.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, conditions in Mexico were difficult.
Many people lived in poverty. They were losing their jobs. The government of
Mexico was not stable. Many Mexicans were uncertain what the future
would bring.
Why did they come to Kansas?
Beginning in 1900, many Mexicans came to Kansas to find better jobs.
Americans would travel to the Mexican border to recruit workers. The
workers were brought to Kansas to work in the meatpacking plants
in Kansas City. Mexicans also found jobs with the sugar beet
industry near Garden City. Most Mexicans came to work
for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.
and
Lebanese in Kansas:
The Story of Wichita
The first Lebanese arrived in Wichita in 1895. At the time, Lebanon was not its own country. It
was part of the Ottoman Empire and was controlled by the Turks. Today Lebanon is a country
in the Middle East on the continent of Asia.
Why did they leave Lebanon?
Like other immigrants there were many reasons why the Lebanese left their homeland. Life in
Lebanon was hard, because they were ruled by another nation. Many Lebanese felt they had
very few political or personal freedoms.
Most of the Lebanese immigrants to the United States were Christians. As part of the Ottoman
Empire they were living in a country dominated by Muslims. There were often religious conflicts.
Many of the Lebanese were poor. They made their living by exporting olives, tobacco, and silk
to France and England. These goods were heavily taxed. Most of the crops grown by a farmer
went to pay his taxes.
Why did they come to Kansas?
Lebanese immigrants came to Kansas to make a better life for themselves and their families.
They were looking for religious freedom. They also wanted to escape the political situation in
their homeland.
The biggest reason they came to Kansas was for better economic opportunities. They were
looking for good jobs. Most often a young man or woman would travel to America alone.
Their plan was to save enough money to bring over their families
Identify an immigrant group related to Kansas.
Consult primary and secondary sources to provide interesting information in response to the 5 W’s of research.
Include a correct listing of Works Cited.
Content
Organize the information logically to form a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Design
Include a variety of effective media elements, such as text, graphics, sound, or video.
Support the content with effective fonts, colors, shapes, sizes, and styles.
Immigration Multimedia Presentation Rubric
Criteria
Points Earned
Points Possible
Focuses on immigrant group related to Kansas
.
5 points
Uses primary and secondary sources to provide interesting facts that address the 5 W’s of research
15 points
Includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
5 points
Contains a correct listing of Works Cited
5 points
Features a variety of effective media elements, including text, graphics, sound, or video
15 points
Makes effective use of fonts, colors, shapes, sizes, and styles
5 points
Now turn your attention to the immigrant groups who settled in Kansas. Why did they leave their home countries, and why were they drawn to Kansas?
Click on the link below to view the article "Immigrants to Kansas: Why Did They Come?" on the Kansas State Historical Society's website. Select two immigrant groups related to Kansas to research. If possible, choose one connected to your heritage and one connected to your hometown or a nearby city or town.
Mexicans in Kansas:
The Story of Topeka
Kansas has had a relationship with Mexico for a long time. Mexico is a country in North
America. The Santa Fe Trail passed through Kansas. The trail connected the United States and
Mexico. American and Mexican traders traveled on the trail through Kansas. In the early days
only a few Mexicans immigrated to Kansas. As the railroads grew, more Mexicans immigrated
to the state.
Why did they leave Mexico?
Mexicans were like other immigrants. They came to Kansas looking for economic
opportunities. They also wanted a good life for their families.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, conditions in Mexico were difficult.
Many people lived in poverty. They were losing their jobs. The government of
Mexico was not stable. Many Mexicans were uncertain what the future
would bring.
Why did they come to Kansas?
Beginning in 1900, many Mexicans came to Kansas to find better jobs.
Americans would travel to the Mexican border to recruit workers. The
workers were brought to Kansas to work in the meatpacking plants
in Kansas City. Mexicans also found jobs with the sugar beet
industry near Garden City. Most Mexicans came to work
for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.
and
Lebanese in Kansas:
The Story of Wichita
The first Lebanese arrived in Wichita in 1895. At the time, Lebanon was not its own country. It
was part of the Ottoman Empire and was controlled by the Turks. Today Lebanon is a country
in the Middle East on the continent of Asia.
Why did they leave Lebanon?
Like other immigrants there were many reasons why the Lebanese left their homeland. Life in
Lebanon was hard, because they were ruled by another nation. Many Lebanese felt they had
very few political or personal freedoms.
Most of the Lebanese immigrants to the United States were Christians. As part of the Ottoman
Empire they were living in a country dominated by Muslims. There were often religious conflicts.
Many of the Lebanese were poor. They made their living by exporting olives, tobacco, and silk
to France and England. These goods were heavily taxed. Most of the crops grown by a farmer
went to pay his taxes.
Why did they come to Kansas?
Lebanese immigrants came to Kansas to make a better life for themselves and their families.
They were looking for religious freedom. They also wanted to escape the political situation in
their homeland.
The biggest reason they came to Kansas was for better economic opportunities. They were
looking for good jobs. Most often a young man or woman would travel to America alone.
Their plan was to save enough money to bring over their families
Identify an immigrant group related to Kansas.
Consult primary and secondary sources to provide interesting information in response to the 5 W’s of research.
Include a correct listing of Works Cited.
Content
Organize the information logically to form a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Design
Include a variety of effective media elements, such as text, graphics, sound, or video.
Support the content with effective fonts, colors, shapes, sizes, and styles.
Immigration Multimedia Presentation Rubric
Criteria
Points Earned
Points Possible
Focuses on immigrant group related to Kansas
.
5 points
Uses primary and secondary sources to provide interesting facts that address the 5 W’s of research
15 points
Includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
5 points
Contains a correct listing of Works Cited
5 points
Features a variety of effective media elements, including text, graphics, sound, or video
15 points
Makes effective use of fonts, colors, shapes, sizes, and styles
5 points
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Immigration Multimedia Presentation: Mexicans and Lebanese in Kansas
---
#### Introduction
Kansas has been shaped by diverse immigrant groups, two of which are Mexicans and Lebanese. Each group arrived with distinct backgrounds and reasons for migrating, yet both sought better opportunities and a brighter future. This presentation explores the journeys of these immigrant communities and their impact on Kansas.
---
#### Mexicans in Kansas
**Who:** Immigrants from Mexico
**What:** Seeking economic opportunities and a better life
**When:** Beginning around 1900
**Where:** Primarily Kansas City and Garden City, Kansas
**Why:** Economic hardship, poverty, and instability in Mexico
**Background:**
- Mexicans have contributed significantly to Kansas's economic landscape. Historically, Mexico and the United States had a trading relationship, exemplified by the Santa Fe Trail.
**Reasons for Leaving Mexico:**
- Many Mexican immigrants left due to dire economic conditions at the beginning of the twentieth century, including poverty, job loss, and an unstable government. The search for better opportunities motivated many to leave their homeland.
**Reasons for Coming to Kansas:**
- The increasing demand for labor in meatpacking plants and the sugar beet industry attracted Mexican workers. Recruitment efforts sent Americans to the Mexican border to bring workers directly to Kansas.
---
#### Lebanese in Kansas
**Who:** Immigrants from Lebanon
**What:** Seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities
**When:** Beginning in 1895
**Where:** Primarily Wichita, Kansas
**Why:** Political oppression, religious conflict, and economic hardship
**Background:**
- The first Lebanese immigrants arrived during a challenging time when Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire. The region lacked autonomy, and many sought refuge in the U.S.
**Reasons for Leaving Lebanon:**
- Many Lebanese, particularly Christians, fled due to political oppression under Turkish rule and religious conflicts. High taxes on agricultural products left many impoverished, compelling them to seek a better life elsewhere.
**Reasons for Coming to Kansas:**
- Driven by a desire for religious freedom and better economic prospects, many Lebanese immigrants traveled alone to the U.S., with aspirations to save money and eventually bring their families.
---
#### Conclusion
Mexican and Lebanese immigrants have profoundly influenced Kansas through their hard work and resilience. Each group sought refuge from hardship and pursued the American dream, contributing to the state’s cultural and economic fabric. Their stories reflect the ongoing narrative of immigration in America, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of those who seek a better life.
---
### Works Cited
1. "Mexicans in Kansas." Kansas State Historical Society. (URL to the article)
2. "Lebanese in Kansas." Kansas State Historical Society. (URL to the article)
3. Additional resources (books, articles, websites with relevant information)
---
### Multimedia Elements
- **Graphics:** Maps showing migration routes and key historical sites in Kansas.
- **Videos:** Short interviews or documentary-style snippets featuring current descendants of Mexican and Lebanese immigrants in Kansas.
- **Infographics:** Statistical graphics illustrating the demographics and economic contributions of these communities.
### Design
- **Fonts:** Clear, legible fonts; headings in bold for emphasis.
- **Colors:** Earthy tones representing the rich agricultural history of Kansas.
- **Shapes:** Use of borders and boxes to distinguish between sections.
- **Sizes:** Hierarchical text sizes to guide viewers through the presentation logically.
---
### Immigration Multimedia Presentation Rubric
| Criteria | Points Earned | Points Possible |
|----------------------------------------------------------|---------------|----------------|
| Focuses on immigrant group related to Kansas | | 5 |
| Uses primary and secondary sources to provide facts | | 15 |
| Includes clear introduction, body, and conclusion | | 5 |
| Correct listing of Works Cited | | 5 |
| Variety of effective media elements | | 15 |
| Effective use of fonts, colors, shapes, sizes, styles | | 5 |
| **Total** | | 50 |
---
This multimedia presentation template can be expanded with additional images, videos, or oral recordings to enhance engagement and convey information effectively.
---
#### Introduction
Kansas has been shaped by diverse immigrant groups, two of which are Mexicans and Lebanese. Each group arrived with distinct backgrounds and reasons for migrating, yet both sought better opportunities and a brighter future. This presentation explores the journeys of these immigrant communities and their impact on Kansas.
---
#### Mexicans in Kansas
**Who:** Immigrants from Mexico
**What:** Seeking economic opportunities and a better life
**When:** Beginning around 1900
**Where:** Primarily Kansas City and Garden City, Kansas
**Why:** Economic hardship, poverty, and instability in Mexico
**Background:**
- Mexicans have contributed significantly to Kansas's economic landscape. Historically, Mexico and the United States had a trading relationship, exemplified by the Santa Fe Trail.
**Reasons for Leaving Mexico:**
- Many Mexican immigrants left due to dire economic conditions at the beginning of the twentieth century, including poverty, job loss, and an unstable government. The search for better opportunities motivated many to leave their homeland.
**Reasons for Coming to Kansas:**
- The increasing demand for labor in meatpacking plants and the sugar beet industry attracted Mexican workers. Recruitment efforts sent Americans to the Mexican border to bring workers directly to Kansas.
---
#### Lebanese in Kansas
**Who:** Immigrants from Lebanon
**What:** Seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities
**When:** Beginning in 1895
**Where:** Primarily Wichita, Kansas
**Why:** Political oppression, religious conflict, and economic hardship
**Background:**
- The first Lebanese immigrants arrived during a challenging time when Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire. The region lacked autonomy, and many sought refuge in the U.S.
**Reasons for Leaving Lebanon:**
- Many Lebanese, particularly Christians, fled due to political oppression under Turkish rule and religious conflicts. High taxes on agricultural products left many impoverished, compelling them to seek a better life elsewhere.
**Reasons for Coming to Kansas:**
- Driven by a desire for religious freedom and better economic prospects, many Lebanese immigrants traveled alone to the U.S., with aspirations to save money and eventually bring their families.
---
#### Conclusion
Mexican and Lebanese immigrants have profoundly influenced Kansas through their hard work and resilience. Each group sought refuge from hardship and pursued the American dream, contributing to the state’s cultural and economic fabric. Their stories reflect the ongoing narrative of immigration in America, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of those who seek a better life.
---
### Works Cited
1. "Mexicans in Kansas." Kansas State Historical Society. (URL to the article)
2. "Lebanese in Kansas." Kansas State Historical Society. (URL to the article)
3. Additional resources (books, articles, websites with relevant information)
---
### Multimedia Elements
- **Graphics:** Maps showing migration routes and key historical sites in Kansas.
- **Videos:** Short interviews or documentary-style snippets featuring current descendants of Mexican and Lebanese immigrants in Kansas.
- **Infographics:** Statistical graphics illustrating the demographics and economic contributions of these communities.
### Design
- **Fonts:** Clear, legible fonts; headings in bold for emphasis.
- **Colors:** Earthy tones representing the rich agricultural history of Kansas.
- **Shapes:** Use of borders and boxes to distinguish between sections.
- **Sizes:** Hierarchical text sizes to guide viewers through the presentation logically.
---
### Immigration Multimedia Presentation Rubric
| Criteria | Points Earned | Points Possible |
|----------------------------------------------------------|---------------|----------------|
| Focuses on immigrant group related to Kansas | | 5 |
| Uses primary and secondary sources to provide facts | | 15 |
| Includes clear introduction, body, and conclusion | | 5 |
| Correct listing of Works Cited | | 5 |
| Variety of effective media elements | | 15 |
| Effective use of fonts, colors, shapes, sizes, styles | | 5 |
| **Total** | | 50 |
---
This multimedia presentation template can be expanded with additional images, videos, or oral recordings to enhance engagement and convey information effectively.