WORKERS AND IMMIGRANTS

Chapter 15 Section 3

Birth of Trade Unions

Industrialism changed the life of workers. Factories hired largely unskilled workers, often women and children, at lower pay.

In the early 1800’s workers organized trade unions.

Trade unions-a group of people who try to improve wages and working conditions in their trade

Calling a Strike

Sometimes a union called a strike. Going on strike was risky, however, because until 1842 unions and strikes were illegal.

Strike- a refusal to work by employees

Immigration

Between 1776 and 1825, only 1 million immigrants had entered the country. In the 10 years between 1845 and 1854, close to 3 million newcomers arrived.

The majority of these immigrants came from northern Europe, mainly Ireland, Germany, England, Scotland, and Scandanavia.

Immigrants Find Work

Some immigrants settled on farms in the Midwest. Many settled in cities and found work in factories. Other immigrants found work as laborers helping to build canals and railroads, often accepting lower wages.

Nativism

Many native-born Americans resented and feared the immigrants. They believed that immigrants threatened traditional American culture and institutions, an idea known as nativism.

Nativism-belief that immigrants threatened traditional American culture and institutions.

Nativists

Some nativists took action. Anti-immigrant riots broke out. Nativists formed a new political party called the Know-Nothings, which supported only white, Protestant, native-born political candidates.

Nativists-people who hold the belief of nativism

American-Know Nothing Party

Nativists