Immigration WebQuest

American History

Mrs. Ernest

Introduction

America is both "a melting pot" and a “tossed salad”. Like a soup whose ingredients all blend together to make a deliciously warm meal, individuals from all around the world came to America and created a country rich in ideas, traditions and customs. However, because many groups were able to keep their identity separate, the image of a tossed salad is also used to describe American multiculturalism and immigration.

The people came and continue to come for a variety of reasons, but always to achieve the same thing - a better life for themselves and their families. As a result, they continually change our nation. In spite of the fact that immigration (and multiculturalism) is a fundamental characteristic of this nation, it has been the source of much debate and discord. It seems immigration has always presented a dilemma for America’s continuing search for identity. It is, therefore, an issue of great importance to all of us, as individuals and as a society.

Except for the Native Americans, everyone has immigrated or has ancestors who have emigrated from another country. There have been several waves of immigration over the course of United States history. The first wave began with the colonists of the 1600's and reached a peak just before the Revolutionary War in 1775. The second wave of immigrants occurred between 1820 and 1870. Almost 7 1/2 million newcomers entered the U.S. The third wave, between 1881 and 1920, was the largest wave of immigration. Almost 23 1/2 million people poured into the U.S., many of them entering through Ellis Island. The most recent wave of immigration has taken place since 1965 with the passing of the Immigration Act of 1965, which abolished quotas, based on national origins and produced major changes in patterns of immigration. The face of our nation continues to change with each new wave of immigrants. Who you are today is directly related to the family that raised you and the country from which they came.

In this Webquest, you will learn about the greatest human migration period in the United States history as well as the events that took place at Ellis Island. You will understand why the United States is called the nation of all nations.

During the years between 1820 and 1924, thirty-five million people came to America from countries around the world. For most of them, the trip to America was difficult and dangerous. When they arrived in America, most immigrants had to go to a place called Ellis Island outside of New York City. At Ellis Island, immigrants were inspected before they were allowed into the United States. By completing these activities, you will learn about some of these experiences.

You will work cooperatively, and independently as well, to learn about past and present immigration and the impacts of this immigration on America during the beginning part of the 20^th century.