Mass Immigration: The Huddled Masses

Social Studies American History Civil War Through 1900 Mass Immigration: The Huddled Masses
Students identify many holidays that have been brought to the United States by different immigrant groups. Then they learn about some of the major immigrant groups of the nineteenth century—why they came and how they lived. Next they explore an interactivity about Ellis Island and analyze the Statue of Liberty as a symbol for immigration. Finally they research an ethnic neighborhood and write a short report.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students identify many holidays that have been brought to the United States by different immigrant groups. Then they learn about some of the major immigrant groups of the nineteenth century—why they came and how they lived. Next they explore an interactivity about Ellis Island and analyze the Statue of Liberty as a symbol for immigration. Finally they research an ethnic neighborhood and write a short report.

If you have access to leveled readers about immigrant groups and neighborhoods, Ellis Island, or the history of the Statue of Liberty, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 45-90 minutes, depending on how much time you want to give students to research and write their reports

Vocabulary words:

  • persecution
  • famine
  • second generation
  • ethnic
  • custom
  • tradition
  • inspection
  • plaque

Objectives

  • Identify different groups of immigrants arriving in the 19th century.
  • Explain how the immigrants contributed to the culture and economic development of the United States.


Engage


The United States is a nation that has been built by immigrants. Throughout different periods they have arrived from many different regions. They have contributed to the national identify of the country, each group bringing new customs and traditions. In this experience you will learn about immigration, especially in the latter half of the nineteenth century.

Objectives
  • Identify different groups of immigrants arriving in the 19th century.
  • Explain how the immigrants contributed to the culture and economic development of the United States.


rows of bagpipe players dressed in green kilts and berets, carrying American flags

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Asbury Park, New Jersey


Which of the following holidays and customs have you heard of or celebrated yourself?

A) watch a Mardi Gras parade
B) wear green clothing on St. Patrick’s Day
C) eat special foods on Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
D) dance the polka during the Oktoberfest
E) visit someone’s home for Tết
F) attend a Midsummer celebration party
G) light candles for Diwali
H) attend a Chuseok meal

Ask students if they know the origin of the holidays listed above.

Each of these holidays was brought to the United States by an immigrant group:
  • Mardi Gras: French settlers celebrated ahead of the Catholic Lent.
  • St. Patrick’s Day: Irish immigrants commemorated the death date of the Irish patron saint.
  • Día de Muertos: Mexican immigrants celebrate this day of remembrance for relatives who have died.
  • Oktoberfest: German immigrants brought this beer festival.
  • Tết: Vietnamese immigrants celebrate the Lunar New Year.
  • Midsummer: Although Midsummer is celebrated throughout Europe, in the United States it is associated with Swedish immigrants.
  • Diwali: Indian and other Hindi immigrants brought the Diwali festival of lights.
  • Chuseok: Korean immigrants celebrate this harvest thanksgiving meal.


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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Civil War Through 1900 Unit.
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Social Studies American History Civil War Through 1900 Reconstruction
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Social Studies American History Civil War Through 1900 Mass Immigration: The Huddled Masses
Mass Immigration: The Huddled Masses
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The Plains Indians
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