Gilded Age Immigration

The rush of immigration during the Gilded Age was the cause of new small "towns" such as Chinatown that popped up all over the Unites States. Despite all the good the heavy immigration brought, many US laborers were opposed to all the job competition that the new immigrants brought. Many Jews, who because of the increased persecution in Eastern Europe, came to the United States. Other groups, such as criminals and alcoholics were also banned from entering the United States. Also, the peak of immigration took place between the years 1880-1920, which was right at the end of the Gilded Age. These people, called "Nativists" eventually convinced Congress to sign the "Chinese Exclusion Act" which banned all Chinese from entering the country. They brought new cultures, languages, and beliefs, and helped shape the way the United States is now.I agree with this article because it summarizes well the events that had to take place in the United States before it could be considered a "melting pot". The Gilded Age was very important in talking about immigration because it was the peak of immigration into our country. I agree with this article because immigration during this time period has a big impact on our country today.

Link to article- http://www.ushistory.org/us/38c.asp