Chapter X: Out of Many, One Summary and Analysis

Between 1820 and 1930, over 62 million people sought a better life in foreign lands, two-thirds of whom came to America. The immigrants coming to America were the most diverse in nationality compared to those of any other host country.

1. The Widening Stream

There was a peak of the "old immigrants" - those from northern and western Europe - in the 1850s and a second peak of "new immigrants" - those from eastern and southern Europe and Russia, including many Jews. One of the main reasons for these massive immigrations was simply what people heard about America in general and from friends and relatives. America was hope and America was the future.

2. Hewers of Wood and Drawers of Water

Just after the Civil War, the US Treasury put a value to immigrants. Each was...