Ch.19-21+New+Immigration+and+Urbanization

Immigration and Urbanization Summary   Immigration and urbanization began with the period of industrialization from 1865 to 1900. The transformation was a direct result of railroad expansion and the development of industries and large-scale corporations. These corporations were a main attraction for immigrants and provided many jobs, though employees were treated poorly with long work hours and unfair pay. As a result, workers banned together and created labor unions that were organized on a national level to gain workers rights. Though some unions were able to bargain for better working conditions, not many of these labor unions were successful and led to violence and riots. Cities continued to fill with immigrants and led to terrible living conditions. Many immigrants lived in tenement houses infested with tuberculosis and other diseases. This led to a large amount of death in the cities. Many politicians such as Boss Tweed bribed immigrants with housing and jobs in order to gain their votes through the tactics of Machine Politics. The multiple problems of city life in America led to the Progressive Era and programs under Teddy Roosevelt’s “New Deal.” Though there were many problems caused by immigration, there were also some beneficial aspects. Immigrants not only provided a work force, which greatly improved the economy, but also created diversity in America bringing new ideas and innovations. 