Immigration and Nativism
The sudden increase of immigrants (at least 50,000 a year, up to 428,000) to America resulted in 4 million people seeking new life in the United States. These immigrants improved U.S. economy and increased the demand of mass-produced consumer goods. The increase of immigrants created sectionalism. A large number of Americans disliked the fact that immigrants were coming to the States. The group of Americans against the immigration split some of the nation.
Groups of immigrants:
Groups of immigrants:
- 2 million Irish farmers were driven from Ireland because of the potato famine. These immigrants had very few skills and little money. They faced discrimination in America because of their Roman Catholic religion. They had limited opportunities and had to compete with African Americans for work. Many of the Irish immigrants entered politics and eventually became successful among the Democratic party.
- Over 1 million Germans immigrated to America to seek refuge from economic depression and political oppression in Germany. These immigrants had moderate skills as farmers and artisans. Many moved westwards in search of cheap land in the Old Northwest. For the most part, they prospered and became active supporters of public education and opponents of slavery.
- Many Chinese (mostly men) began to come to America out of curiosity, with no social interest (interaction with Americans). The Chinese developed the Six Companies, that governed Chinese actions in America. The Chinese developed their own laws to follow separate from the laws of America. Many Chinese were depended on these laws, fearing the punishments that came to them if they disobeyed. The Chinese eventually had to turn to the jobs that the white men did not want to do, and became responsible for a large amount of manufacturing. The Chinese began to face discrimination and racial stereotypes.
- Nativists: Many native-born Americans feared that the newcomers would take their jobs and weaken the culture of the Anglo majority. Protestants distrusted Roman Catholicism practiced by the German and Irish Immigrants. In the 1840s, rioting in cites against immigration began, along with a secret anti foreign society, the Supreme Order of the Star-Spangled Banner. Turning to politics in the 1850s, the society nominated candidates for office as the American Party.