The influx of Irish and German immigrants in the early to mid-1800s occurred during a period of industrialization and economic expansion in the United States. These immigrants often faced discrimination but also found opportunities in burgeoning industries and westward expansion. However, by the late 1800s and early 1900s, economic conditions had changed, marked by increased urbanization, labor strife, and a more diverse immigrant population. Additionally, the rise of nativist …show more content…
Document 1, from Mary Antin's autobiography, highlights the struggles faced by her father, a Russian Jewish immigrant, as he navigated the challenges of starting a new life in America. The passage illustrates the economic hardships and discrimination encountered by many immigrants, contrasting with the opportunities and freedoms promised by the American Dream. Document 2, also from Mary Antin's autobiography, provides a more optimistic view of the immigrant experience, emphasizing the opportunities for education, assimilation, and upward mobility in America. Antin's account reflects the belief in America as a "Promised Land" where immigrants could escape persecution and achieve prosperity. Document 3, a wood engraving by William Allen Rogers, depicts the Italian Quarter in New York City, showing the crowded and bustling streets inhabited by new immigrants. The image captures the diverse immigrant communities that characterized urban areas during this period, highlighting the challenges of assimilation and integration into American society. Document 4, an illustration from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, titled "Know Nothingism in Brooklyn," portrays the anti-immigrant sentiments of the time. The illustration reflects the nativist backlash against