Shaping American History
Some people resented immigration because they thought that the immigrants were "stealing" their jobs. However, immigrants proved to be helpful during the Railroad Era when large amounts of railroads were being produced. Since the population was growing, more railroads was essential. This meant that more jobs were needed to maintain the railroads. Industrialization provided jobs for immigrants who were desperate for a job. It also helped America's production of railroads improve and increase at a faster rate.
Why Was it Important?
The immigration of European immigrants makes up what America is today. The culture diversity that America is so proud of all started with immigration, whether it be the immigration of the first Americans, or the immigration or Irish and German settlers later on.
Making America What it is Today
Sparked by the increasing industries in North and West, America attracted many European immigrants who decided to give up their lives in Europe and create a new life in America. To them, America was a haven of democratic ideals and a place full of new opportunities. That belief has existed all the way until this day. Today, America is still viewed as a land of opportunities and it still attracts many immigrants.
Something to think about...
One interesting thing is that the motto on the Statue of Liberty says "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor". This shows that American ideal that America should welcome foreign immigrants. By taking immigrants in, both sides can benefit from the situation. American factories have cheap labor, and European immigrants can flee from the bad economy of their previous country. However, do people really hold that American ideal in their hearts when they see more and more immigrants immigrating to "their" country? How is the motto on the Statue of Liberty ironic?
Something to think about...
One interesting thing is that the motto on the Statue of Liberty says "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor". This shows that American ideal that America should welcome foreign immigrants. By taking immigrants in, both sides can benefit from the situation. American factories have cheap labor, and European immigrants can flee from the bad economy of their previous country. However, do people really hold that American ideal in their hearts when they see more and more immigrants immigrating to "their" country? How is the motto on the Statue of Liberty ironic?
