The Birth of the Modern America - Admission/Application Essay Example

History and Political Science The Birth of the Modern America Due: American Immigrants from the Mediterranean Towards the end of the 19th century, Greeks from the Mediterranean region began migrating to America in large number, an occurrence that went on until 1920. More than 400000 Greek immigrants from the Mediterranean region arrived in America at that time. Majority of these immigrants were from Southern Greece, and Peloponnese. Many of these immigrants settled permanently in the country in various states such as New York, Chicago, California and other states. Upon reaching America, they involved themselves with various economic and social activities such as setting up of businesses, street vending and in employment sectors. Many of them also became restaurateurs while others were ready to take manual jobs in such places as coalmines, cotton mills and railway industries. The social life for these immigrants was at first based on Greek coffee shops. Greek churches and schools were soon set up which were then followed by Greek newspapers and other media outlets. Many Greek media outlets are still existing and operating in the American media industry. They maintained a closer relation in political and national issues in their home countries (Moskos, 2007, 56). The 1920s marked the beginning of Hellenism in America. This was the time when the government in American truncated the immigration quotas and policies to control the large influx of Greeks in the country. The authorities commenced a massive campaign to Americanize all the immigrants in the country and assimilate them to American Culture. Generally, Greeks were positive to assimilation. For instance, the basic goal of the AHEPA organization was to help Greeks integrate effectively in the American culture. There were also other similar firms, which worked to realize a balance between preserving Greek identity and Americanization. Organizations such as the Archdiocese and GAPA, which were controlled by the Greeks became more popular in 1930s as well as the present day perspectives. There were also other financial organizations, which assisted the Greeks with financial incentives to start various projects (Moskos, 2007, 11). The start of 1960s experienced the “revival of ethnicity” which included an acknowledgement, and widespread dissemination of cultural traditions, and roots of every ethnic community, including Greeks who had been Americanized. This period also saw the climate of reflection and radicalism in America, which also led to the emergency of new Greek generation and culture in this country. By 1866, the Greek immigrants in U.S had become so numerous and prosperous enough leading to an establishment of the first Greek Orthodox church and Greek consulate in United States. The events that transpired in the late 1920s also offered a stimulus for the first long term Greek American civic and religious organizations. The events revitalized Greek American identity particularly in the Greek language and media. More than 600 Greek diners were established in U.S between 1950 to 1970. It is at this period when the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association was established. This is essentially the largest community organization for Greek Americans. This institution was established in Atlanta Georgia in 1922 as an attempt of countering the anti-Greek attacks by the ku Klux klan in that period. This organization has currently a membership base that exceeds more than 20 thousands. (Iliou, and Kitroeff, 2007, 12). Other contributions by the Greek community in U.S include such industries as film, academia, music, politics, journalism, literature and so on. They have really influenced and continue to influence many sectors in American today. Some of the famous Greek politicians include Massachusetts governor Dukakis and Michael, former vice president Spiro Agnew and former senator Tsongas Paul. Other popular Greek American politicians that have greatly influenced American politics include Stephanopoulos George who was a political commentator and an advisor to a former president, Bill Clinton. Immigrants from Asia During their first arrivals in United States, Asians who are mostly Chinese immigrants were tolerated and highly welcomed. As the number of Asian immigrants increased consistently, the American government was mandated to issue restrictive policies to curb the number of increasing immigrants. Although the Chinese were exempted from citizenship in the late 1800s such laws were repealed at the end of World War 11, making it easier for many Asians to come into U.S. Presently, the Asian immigrants in U.S have a high rate of participation and assimilation in many American fields. By 1930s, many Chinese involved themselves in trade and selling goods in New York and in employment sectors in Hawahii and many other cities. By 1850, there were more than 1000 Chinese immigrants in U.S. This number jumped to more than 10,000 during 1860s 67,000 in 1870 and over 1110,000 in 1880 (Barkan, 1999, 253). The popular transcontinental railroad that was built in 1945 and many other railways in the country could not have been possible without the support and contribution of the Chinese. Other sectors where they worked and left a great impact include the metal and mineral extraction fields, swampland reclamation, building irrigation systems, working as agricultural laborers, and operating technical and competitive industries. Further, the Chinese immigrants brought with them new items and food derived from China and which are still being used up to the present time. Among the common drinks that are still being enjoyed by many people in America today is Chinese tea, which was introduced by the Chinese during the 19th century. The Chinese cuisine has since 1960s been considered as an essential part of the American diet as well. There are many Chinese restaurants and eateries in many cities and states across United States today. Also many media outlets including TV and radio air Chinese programs as well (Barkan, 1999, 254). Many American households have adopted Chinese food ingredients such as ginger and soy. They are also employing many Chinese cooking techniques as well as Chinese utensils. The motivation behind the Chinese immigration to U.S can be related in many respects to those of other immigrants. While others followed the gold mountain, there were those who were following better economic fortunes in the country. Still, there were those who decided to leave China as refugees or to look for jobs. Along with them, Chinese immigrants brought their culture, language, customs and social institutions. As time went by, these aspects made a lasting impact and contribution to America and were incorporated as a central part of U.S (Bailey, 2004, 24). Although the Asian immigrants in the 19th century encountered many challenges, their impact in America was profound. They supplied labor in many of the growing industries in the country, thus helping in their development and growth. Chinese workers were very important in the country especially in the period of the civil war. Asian entrepreneurs established their own industries, which are still contributing to the American economy and employment sectors up to the present. Chinese labor was sought in many places of America because it was usually cheap. The global endeavor to eliminate world slavery was reinforced by the Chinese cheap labor resources that could provide the alternative for slave labor. The numerous railroads, roads and infrastructure build by the Chinese assisted in opening rich resources in many parts of the nation. Much of the land in which they settled in were converted into agricultural land for crop production, and animal rearing. Chinese cultivations, planting, harvesting in orchards, vineyard and ranges were and are still quite essential in supplying a massive quantity of vegetables and fruits. Their skills were identified and are still being recognized and imitated in agricultural practices across the country. America is now not dependent on the East, but can now produce her own products with the assistance of the Chinese (Bailey, 2004, 5). Immigrants from Eastern Europe Majority of Eastern Europe immigrants between 1880 to 1920 were Jews. Approximately 40% of these immigrants were women, outnumbering other group of immigrants during that period of mass immigration. The excess of two million Jews who had migrated from Romania, Russian Empire and Austria-Hungary to United States during the period of 1881-1924 settled permanently in the country. Only 7% of this population decided to return to Europe compared to 30% of all the immigrants. Jewish American immigrants shared many attributes of immigrant women in particular as well as displaying ethnic features (Pyman, 2007, 95). Jewish immigrants to U.S brought with them, new urban life in capitalist economy. In relation to other immigrants on the shores of America, Jews were not peasants in their homeland. Once they reached in America, men and women worked together in sustaining their families. Since Jewish men were more successful in comparison to other immigrants and earned more than enough in supporting their households, very few Jewish women worked outside their homes. The contribution of Jews in the nineteen century were immense and in many spheres. For instance, they greatly influenced the American mainstream culture. They also greatly assisted in creating the motion picture industry as well as the major movie studios and organizations such as MGM, FOX, Paramount, Warner Brothers and many more. There were also other influential songwriters and artists such as Irving Berlin among others. Irving Berlin is are-known Jewish artists who contributed to the popular song God Bless America. There are also other Jewish artists and songwriters who left a mark in America’s jazz music industry and helped in setting musical and d jazz standards that are still being used today (Bailey, 2004, 3). Works Cited Barkan, Elliot , “A nation of People: America’s Multicultural Heritage” 1999, United States: Greenwood Press. pp. 252–253. Bailey, Thomas A. and David M. Kennedy, eds, “The American Pageant”. Massachusetts: D.C. Heath and Company, 2004. Iliou, Maria, and Kitroeff, Alexander, “The Journey:  The Greek American Dream”, film, 2007 Moskos, Charles C., “Greek Americans: Struggle and Success”, 2007, Panagopoulos, E. P., “New Smyrna – An eighteenth Century Odyssey” Pyman, Paula E. “Immigrant Jewish Experience in the United States.” American Jewish History 70, no. 1: 91–105, 2007 Read More