Difference Between New And Old Immigrants

Events such as the Market Revolution and the beginning of the Gilded Age made immigration during the 19th century very different at the beginning and end of the 1800s. While there are comparisons that can be drawn between the “New” and the “Old” immigrants, the groups also have many differences. The origins of the immigrants were very different, the “Old” immigrants were better off than the “New” immigrants, and were from areas that provided them with skills that made it easy for them to assimilate into American society while the “New” immigrants were poor and unskilled. The patterns of immigration were also affected by their intentions, the “Old” seeking escape from politics or a new life after a disaster and the “New” looking for jobs that
The origins of the “New” and “Old” immigrants were very different. The “Old” immigrants were better off than the “New” immigrants, and were from areas that provided them with skills that made it easy for them to assimilate into American society. Nothern Europeans shared common values with Americans so all of the groups, except for the Irish, were able to adapt and prosper within society and rural areas. Among these values was religion. Pre-Old Immigration, there had been a Second Great Awakening in America. This movement pushed for the eradication of sin and focused on romanticism and helping others. The Second Great Awakening pushed for moral goods such as prohibition. However, within the group of immigrants were the Irish Catholics, a group that undermined the foundation of the movement. In response to this threat, American nativists formed the Know-Nothing party, A party whose goal was to “purify” American Politics by limiting the power of immigrants. Although they did not make many changes, they reflected the nativist sentiment that much of America had cultivated. The Irish Catholic set the stage for the treatment of “New” immigrants later in