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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Here are the teacher pack items for Mass Immigration: The Huddled Masses:

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Overview

In this experience, students identify holidays that were 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 learn about Ellis Island and analyze the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of immigration. Finally, they research an immigrant community and write a short report.

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

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

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

  • immigration: the movement of people from other countries to live in the United States.
  • famine: a time when many people do not have enough food; in this lesson, many Irish people left because potato crops failed.
  • tenements: crowded apartment buildings where many immigrants in cities lived.
  • Ellis Island: the busiest immigration inspection station in New York Harbor, where millions of immigrants entered the United States.
  • inspection station: a place where immigrants were checked before entering the country, including medical exams and questions about where they would live and work.
  • customs and traditions: the special ways people celebrate, live, and do things that they bring from their culture.
  • Statue of Liberty: an important U.S. landmark and symbol of freedom that became closely connected to immigration because it greeted many newcomers arriving in New York Harbor.
 

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


People from many parts of the world have immigrated to the United States. Over time, immigrants have helped shape the country by bringing their customs, traditions, skills, and ideas. In this experience, you will learn about immigration to the United States, especially during the second half of the 1800s.

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 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 origins of the holidays listed above.

Many immigrant communities have brought holiday traditions with them and helped make these celebrations part of life in the United States:

  • Mardi Gras: French colonists brought traditions of celebrating before the Catholic season of Lent.
  • St. Patrick’s Day: Irish immigrants helped spread celebrations honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
  • Día de Muertos: Mexican immigrants brought traditions connected to this holiday, which honors family members and loved ones who have died.
  • Oktoberfest: German immigrants brought traditions connected to this German fall festival.
  • Tết: Vietnamese immigrants brought traditions for celebrating Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
  • Midsummer: Swedish immigrants brought traditions for celebrating Midsummer, a holiday that marks the summer season.
  • Diwali: Immigrants from India and other parts of South Asia brought traditions connected to Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
  • Chuseok: Korean immigrants brought traditions for celebrating Chuseok, a harvest holiday centered on family and honoring ancestors.


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