Journal Entry: Life as an Immigrant to the United States from 1870-1920
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This journal entry reflects on the experiences and challenges of being an immigrant in the United States from 1870 to 1920. It discusses the reasons for immigration, the struggle to find employment, the abuse faced by immigrants, the unity among immigrants, and the gradual improvement in treatment by Americans.
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Running head: HISTORY Journal entry Name ID Course Unit Lecturer Date
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HISTORY2 Journal entry reflecting on how my life would have been like as an immigrant to the United States from 1870 to 1920 November 1870 What a busy day! After walking for a long distance, we arrived in the United States. We had entered thee through a given port, thinking that we were the only immigrants who had come in the country. Consequently, there were many of us from various parts of the country. I wondered what has motivated such a big group to leave their nation to come to America. However, every group had specific reasons. The common reasons among the groups include civil war economic freedom and inadequate land to settle back in their country according toAlba & Foner, (2015). I settled in New York City. January 1880 It was one of the dull months since I settled in Castle Garden near New York. I had nothing in my pocket to sustain my stay in this foreign land. After thinking for a while, I settled on my decision that I would move to the state that has a low population and look for jobs in the area. Getting a role in this place took me more than two weeks. It was evident that we were many immigrants as compared to job opportunities. Unfortunately, the whole month ended without me getting a single job. February 1881 February 1881 is one of the most significant days as an immigrant in the United States. I got my first employment. I could offer services on the farm and get money and materials in return.
HISTORY3 However, the experience was not a walk in the park. The employer took advantage of me on the farm. He could give me more work but paid me less in return. I through both verbal and physical abuse. When it came to mental torture, the employer could call me all sorts of dirty name. It happened that I was darker than his color of skin. He sometimes referred to me a monkey in reference toWyman, (2018). The abuse did not end at that; other employers that I met could physically fight me on the farm. Most of my body parts had a sign of physical torture. May 1890 I felt encouraged this month. We were able to unite as immigrants. The reason behind our unity was to address the common challenges we were facing. The problems included less pay, mental and physical abuse and inadequate jobs for the immigrants according toDubofsky & McCartin, (2017). It was good that we came together in a specific area. The place was only meant for immigrants. The action raised another social issue in the country. By forming our place of residence, it meant that we had our health facilities, schools, and churches. The Americans could not come to seek services in these places. They termed it a miserable place for poor people. March 1910 I was not feeling well with the general treatment we were passing through as immigrants. I mobilized fellow immigrants to speak for their rights. It was horrific; the process of fighting for our rights turned to quarrels. I lost many of my neighbors due to riots and physical fights. 1920 The year was promising; I started feeling that the Americans began treating immigrants as equals. In the region I was staying, I could now mingle with the Americans. The government was
HISTORY4 also discussing how to improve the living conditions of inhabitants. Finally, after all, we were fighting for; I can now see changes in terms of how Americans treat inhabitants.
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HISTORY5 References Alba, R., & Foner, N. (2015).Strangers no more: Immigration and the challenges of integration in North America and Western Europe. Princeton University Press. Dubofsky, M., & McCartin, J. A. (2017).Labor in America: A history. John Wiley & Sons. Wyman, M. (2018).Round-trip to America: The immigrants return to Europe, 1880–1930. Cornell University Press.