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At first, it took months to cross the oceans via the old wooden ships, but when the steam ship was invented the trip could be taken in just weeks. This was much healthier than the original process, and more immigrants arrived in better condition. (4)

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The building started to represent a country full of wealth and opportunity, but still with a struggle to accept others into it.

(1)

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The poorer or not as wealthy immigrants traveled aboard the "steerage" area of the steam ships, where the cargo was usually held. They would have to go on shore to be inspected, as they could not afford the expensive treatments of on-board inspection. (3)

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Wealthier citizens traveled to Ellis Island via their own ships or even in the "first class" of the massive steam ships, they would be inspected on board these ships. (3)

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"They were the 'great wave' of immigrants, bigger in percentage terms than the wave that is changing the face of America today." (1)

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Between 1880 and 1924, around 26 million immigrants began a fresh start in America. (1)

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The American Dream

The immigrants came to America in search of a better life, wealth, and a better career, self advancement, freedom, and safety a beacon of hope to all living in distress. Immigrants wished to work hard and achieve the meaning of the American Dream. (5)

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Family

Some family members were separated, some would be living in America, others in Europe. Come to reunite. (1)

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Many thorough, embarrassing, and sometimes painful tests took place on Ellis Island- examining immigrants for disease, criminal backgrounds, and mental and physical disabilities. Although, the goal was to accept as many people as possible- Ellis Island had hospitals and rehabilitation centers to help the sick and disabled. (3)

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Religious Freedom

Many Jews were being persecuted in Europe, Religious freedom in America drew them to the country. (2)

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War

WWII and WWI both took place during this time of immigration- some sought out safety from these wars, such as the Polish and British.
(2)

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Religious beliefs

Jews being persecuted, rounded up, and killed in Europe by Hitler and Nazis, there is Religious Freedom in America.
(2)

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At first, no check in was needed- Millions of British, Irish, German, and Scandanavians were being let in

Then America realized that "undesirables" were being shipped here- Poor, sick, criminals

Started Ellis Island in 1890 and tests to be accepted or deported. (1)

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Many government officials and citizens disliked the idea of the millions of immigrants being brought in to America

Started protests, but immigration continued (1)

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(1) Kelley, Timothy (2001, September 03). Destination: America. New York Times Upfront, (1), 28, Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com

(2) Roberts, Sam (2006, September 04). The Debate Over Immigration: 200 Years & Counting. New York Times Upfront, (1), 8, Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com

(3) Ellis Island.The History Channel.(C) 1997 A&E Television Networks. Produced by Greystone Communications.

(4) Purcell, E. C H A P T E R : 4 : Millions from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. The Oryx Press, 1995.

(5) Mass, Warren (2014, January 06). Our Fascinating Immigration Experience. New American, The, (1), 37, Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com

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Famine+ Health

In 1845, a fungus destroyed Ireland's main food source: potatoes, and killed many and left others hungry.

2 Million irish people, a quarter of the population of Ireland, came to America and changed cities and politics as we knew them. (2)