Crystal Rodarte Dr. Johnson History 1302 February 11, 2015 Immigrants in the late 1800’s The late 1800’s millions of immigrants came to the United States searching for a better life. Immigrants came from all over. They came from Italy, Germany, China, and Mexico. The trip was not easy, not knowing the language or the customs they had to adjust to life in America. Immigrants saw America as a new starting point, with that they came to take advantage of all that it had to offer. If I were a new immigrant in America in the late 1800’s I would be coming for better opportunities and religious freedom. America was known as the land of opportunity, and in coming here I would be able to get a job and take care of my family. At that time many immigrants were facing political and religious persecution in their countries. In hopes of get away from that many came to America to practice their religion freely. …show more content…
Factors such as jobs, an abundance of cheap land, and ships were offering low cost trips to America. The industrial period called for a demand in laborers, so there were plenty of jobs. With the Homestead Act of 1862, immigrants could get 160 acers of land to bring up and improve it over a period of five years (Keene 440). The trip to America, though cheap, was not easy. The immigrants had to sleep in the area below the deck. The bunks were small and closely packed together. There was little to no light and fresh air. The smell of vomit and overflowing potty pots was unbearable at times. The food wasn’t very appealing either. With the ship swaying along with the waves in the sea, seasickness was very common. The trip often lasted 12-14 days.