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U.S. History: Western Expansion- Immigration in 19th Century America

America was built on the backs of immigrants. This lesson plan investigates the influx of Irish and Chinese immigrants to the United States in the 1800s. As populations of different immigrants increased, nativists feelings swept the nation. Despite discrimination, both Chinese and Irish immigrants played important roles in constructing the Transcontinental Railroad. 

Weblink address (URL): 
Immigration in 19th Century America
Home Page for the Lesson Plan- Source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

The student will:

  • Explain the reasons for Northwestern Europeans, specifically the Irish, immigration to the United States.
  • Explain reasons for Chinese immigration to the United States.
  • Identify nativism in the early 19th century and 20th century.
  • Compare and contrast immigration and nativism in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Essential and guiding questions: 

What events caused nativist feelings against large numbers of various immigrant groups during the 19th and 20th centuries? 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

“Nativist Newspaper”: Students will be grouped with 3-5 others to create their own publication of a nativist newspaper. Give each student a job to help complete the newspaper. Teachers can require certain aspects of the newspaper to be included. For example, the headline, pictures, and articles.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Immigration Graffiti
  • Venn Diagram
  • Library of Congress Political Cartoon Analysis Tool
  • Dueling Document Worksheets (pgs. 5 & 7)
  • Teacher Resource
  • Matching Game Worksheet
  • Drawing paper and colored pencils