IMMIGRATION

ASSIMILATION

• Is the process of becoming part of another culture.
• Immigrants tried to adapt to the American way of life.
• Kids would assimilate faster than their parents because they had less tradition to forget.
• Immigrants wanted their children to be educated.

"...the essence of American opportunity, the treasure that no thief could touch...surer, safer than bread or shelter." - one Russian Jewish immigrant's view on education

CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMMIGRANTS

• The American economy depended on the hard work of immigrants.
• Some places that they worked at were:
• Steel mills, meatpacking plants, mines
• Immigrants had a major role in laying down 1,000s of miles of railroad track.

"Through hard work and saving, many immigrants slowly advanced economically." - Prentice Hall, "America: History of Our Nation" textbook

CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMMIGRANTS (CON.)

• People from different communities experienced new cultures.
• This would occur when they visited immigrants' businesses.
• Many inventors and entrepreneurs were immigrants:
• Andrew Carnegie, Alexander Graham Bell, Samuel Goldwyn

Summary:
Immigrants had a hard time adapting to American cultures. However, they slowly began to practice American ways, make their own businesses, and provide a new life for their children. After many years, they began to give new services to the USA.