History Journal: Life as an Immigrant in the United States, 1870-1920

This journal entry offers a reflective account of an immigrant's experience in the United States from 1870 to 1920. The narrative begins with the arrival in New York City in 1870 and details the challenges faced, including economic hardship, job scarcity, and exploitation on farms. The journal highlights instances of discrimination, verbal and physical abuse, and the formation of immigrant communities to address shared issues like low pay and inadequate jobs. The entry chronicles the immigrant's struggle for rights, the conflicts faced, and the eventual, albeit slow, progress towards equal treatment and integration with Americans by 1920. The author references Alba & Foner (2015), Dubofsky & McCartin (2017), and Wyman (2018) to support the historical context of the immigrant experience.

Running head: HISTORY
Journal entry
Name
ID
Course
Unit
Lecturer
Date

HISTORY 2
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 to Alba & 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.

HISTORY 3
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 to Wyman, (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 to Dubofsky & 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

HISTORY 4
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.

HISTORY 5
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.