Economic Opportunities Paper - Essay Example

Economic opportunities The influx of immigrants to US in 1870s Economic opportunities The influx of immigrants to US in 1870s The famous perception of US is a land of promise and opportunities. This perceived idea of luxury and wealth drives immigrants to this country way back in 1800s up to the present time. The economic opportunities that were available to immigrants during the period of 1870s will be discussed in this study. The scenario is 1800s where plenty of laborers are needed by the US due to its industrialization.

The railroad system and development of canals brought economic changes to trade and industry. Shipment of goods from one place to another and transport of people became feasible. American labor is not sufficient to fill in all these job vacancies and migration of workers from Europe and Asia are encouraged. As such, labor and employment opportunities are open in almost all areas of US. . Many states needed immigrants to add up to their sparse population to spur up the economy. They need workers to mines, factories and fields.

These states actively invited immigrants by offering jobs or land for farming. Labor Exchanges were created to promote migration, offering cheap lands for permanent homes and cultivation. In Oregon, for example, Governor L. F. Grover, on August 23, 1870 issued a statement of need for farming population, inviting migrants to own land for residence and for cultivation of variety of products.(Oregon State Archives) Some States, Kansas, for one, made migration part of their business in order to increase their population.

They have hired agents in principal seaports in Europe and in New York to communicate with migrant workers. All kinds of assistance are given such as reduced transportation fare, start up supplies, guides and attention to immigrants so they will be able to adapt in their new environment. Kansas was able to increase its population of 107.110 in 1860 to 550,000 in 1870 through immigration. (Oregon State Archives) As a recruiter, the chance of immigration to the United States, better working conditions and higher wages are among the opportunities that could be promised to immigrant workers.

Labor opportunities for male workers are available for many areas of employment. (US industrialization)* Shipbuilding. A lot of workers are needed as ship builder since US is one of the largest shipbuilders supplying the needs of Great Britain. * Iron industry. Iron makers are needed in Pennsylvania wherein the industry made progress and iron exports are developing.Workers are needed for the industrial production of textiles and light metals.

* Agricultural and farm workers are needed for farms and plantations* Several workers are needed to operate machines in the manufacturing industry.* Continuous inventions like automobile, telegraph and electricity which brings the nation to modernization necessitates hiring of skilled labor. The improved production methods makes the nature of work more easier, and the task of organized labor, specialization and division of labor makes it more convincing to immigrant workers.

Other opportunities are the disparities of income from the migrant’s home country as compared to US make a big difference and enough reason for workers to come. Young and adventurous immigrants have come to US, and upon arrival looked for work and settled in communities where they have relatives and associates from their homeland. About 26 million immigrants have entered US between the periods of 1870s to 1920. (Notes on Immigration) Immigration to US in 1870s is quite easy as compared to the present time that the US quota system on immigration has been imposed, and one should pass the “eye of a needle to qualify” and the work of a recruiter is no longer necessary.

Word count 598 ReferencesNotes on Immigration. Retrieved 15 April 2009 from history.berkeley.edu/faculty/Smith/H124A/lectures/immigration.pdf Oregon State Archives. Governor LaFayette Grovers Administration. Retrieved 15 April 2009 from http://www.sos.state.or.us/archives/governors/grover/labor.htmlUS Industrialization. Retrieved 15 April 2009 from http://www.puhsd.k12.ca.us/chana/staffpages/eichman/Ad