Dr. Shannon R. Kirkwood
@shannon-r-kirkwood.bsky.social
Historian
Professor
Writer
Coffee drinker
On here I mostly talk about the history of women in America.
Professor
Writer
Coffee drinker
On here I mostly talk about the history of women in America.
Our relationship with As*a was nearly as complicated as with our neighbors to the south. We colonized the Philippines in 1898, and were then involved in a number of conflicts in East Asia over the twentieth century.
January 25, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Our relationship with As*a was nearly as complicated as with our neighbors to the south. We colonized the Philippines in 1898, and were then involved in a number of conflicts in East Asia over the twentieth century.
The US had had a long relationship with Latin America. It had taken what became the SW from Mexico back in the 1840s, and acquired the resident Chicanos.
The southern border was quite fluid, and people travelled back and forth quite freely, driving cattle, following the harvest seasons, etc.
The southern border was quite fluid, and people travelled back and forth quite freely, driving cattle, following the harvest seasons, etc.
January 24, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The US had had a long relationship with Latin America. It had taken what became the SW from Mexico back in the 1840s, and acquired the resident Chicanos.
The southern border was quite fluid, and people travelled back and forth quite freely, driving cattle, following the harvest seasons, etc.
The southern border was quite fluid, and people travelled back and forth quite freely, driving cattle, following the harvest seasons, etc.
Immigration discussion, Day 5: The Third Wave
The Third Wave of immigration to America starts with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This law eliminates the national origin quota and shifts the focus to the individual - their skills and family ties.
The Third Wave of immigration to America starts with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This law eliminates the national origin quota and shifts the focus to the individual - their skills and family ties.
January 24, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Immigration discussion, Day 5: The Third Wave
The Third Wave of immigration to America starts with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This law eliminates the national origin quota and shifts the focus to the individual - their skills and family ties.
The Third Wave of immigration to America starts with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This law eliminates the national origin quota and shifts the focus to the individual - their skills and family ties.
Recap: Second Wave immigrants (1880-1920) were not considered white, nor was it believed that they could become proper Americans. This was so much the case that a revitalized Klan harassed immigrants throughout the 1920s.
So how did they “become” white?
Suburbia.
So how did they “become” white?
Suburbia.
January 24, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Recap: Second Wave immigrants (1880-1920) were not considered white, nor was it believed that they could become proper Americans. This was so much the case that a revitalized Klan harassed immigrants throughout the 1920s.
So how did they “become” white?
Suburbia.
So how did they “become” white?
Suburbia.
Not all measures aimed at decreasing the influence of the New Immigrants worked as intended.
Although Prohibition was aimed at decreasing crime and removing alcohol as a source of cultural identity, this was not the result.
Although Prohibition was aimed at decreasing crime and removing alcohol as a source of cultural identity, this was not the result.
January 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Not all measures aimed at decreasing the influence of the New Immigrants worked as intended.
Although Prohibition was aimed at decreasing crime and removing alcohol as a source of cultural identity, this was not the result.
Although Prohibition was aimed at decreasing crime and removing alcohol as a source of cultural identity, this was not the result.
The conflict between the Old Stock and the New Immigrants continued to flair throughout the 1920s. If you’ll remember, the 1920s was terrible for rural America. Banks foreclosed on thousands of farms, forcing farmers to sell up and move to the city.
Most of these farmers were of the Old Stock.
Most of these farmers were of the Old Stock.
January 24, 2025 at 6:14 PM
The conflict between the Old Stock and the New Immigrants continued to flair throughout the 1920s. If you’ll remember, the 1920s was terrible for rural America. Banks foreclosed on thousands of farms, forcing farmers to sell up and move to the city.
Most of these farmers were of the Old Stock.
Most of these farmers were of the Old Stock.
The government began to enact legislation to limit the number of New Immigrants beginning in the late 19teens, in part as a response to WW1.
First, they passed Prohibition (18th Amendment) which outlawed alcohol, which was especially harmful to German American brewers in Michigan and Wisconsin.
First, they passed Prohibition (18th Amendment) which outlawed alcohol, which was especially harmful to German American brewers in Michigan and Wisconsin.
January 24, 2025 at 5:52 PM
The government began to enact legislation to limit the number of New Immigrants beginning in the late 19teens, in part as a response to WW1.
First, they passed Prohibition (18th Amendment) which outlawed alcohol, which was especially harmful to German American brewers in Michigan and Wisconsin.
First, they passed Prohibition (18th Amendment) which outlawed alcohol, which was especially harmful to German American brewers in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Immigration discussion, Day 4: The Backlash (pt. 4)
The main take-away I want ya’ll to get from all this is that whiteness in America is a moving target (unless you are Black or Indigenous).
Case in point: The Finns.
The main take-away I want ya’ll to get from all this is that whiteness in America is a moving target (unless you are Black or Indigenous).
Case in point: The Finns.
January 24, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Immigration discussion, Day 4: The Backlash (pt. 4)
The main take-away I want ya’ll to get from all this is that whiteness in America is a moving target (unless you are Black or Indigenous).
Case in point: The Finns.
The main take-away I want ya’ll to get from all this is that whiteness in America is a moving target (unless you are Black or Indigenous).
Case in point: The Finns.
Immigration discussion, Day 4: The Backlash (pt. 3)
Before I move too much further ahead, I want to mention that Europeans were not the only new arrivals at the turn of the twentieth century.
Before I move too much further ahead, I want to mention that Europeans were not the only new arrivals at the turn of the twentieth century.
January 23, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Immigration discussion, Day 4: The Backlash (pt. 3)
Before I move too much further ahead, I want to mention that Europeans were not the only new arrivals at the turn of the twentieth century.
Before I move too much further ahead, I want to mention that Europeans were not the only new arrivals at the turn of the twentieth century.
Immigration discussion, Day 4: The Backlash (pt. 2)
Old Stock immigrants blamed the New Immigrants (2nd Wave, 1880-1920) for the rise in crime, poverty, and vice. Since so many of these new-comets settled in cities, the Old Stock came to identify cities as dens of iniquity and sin.
Old Stock immigrants blamed the New Immigrants (2nd Wave, 1880-1920) for the rise in crime, poverty, and vice. Since so many of these new-comets settled in cities, the Old Stock came to identify cities as dens of iniquity and sin.
January 23, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Immigration discussion, Day 4: The Backlash (pt. 2)
Old Stock immigrants blamed the New Immigrants (2nd Wave, 1880-1920) for the rise in crime, poverty, and vice. Since so many of these new-comets settled in cities, the Old Stock came to identify cities as dens of iniquity and sin.
Old Stock immigrants blamed the New Immigrants (2nd Wave, 1880-1920) for the rise in crime, poverty, and vice. Since so many of these new-comets settled in cities, the Old Stock came to identify cities as dens of iniquity and sin.
Today: The Backlash to the Second Wave
Old stock immigrants and their native-born descendants did not consider any of these second wavers to be white. Additionally, they did not think that any of them could successfully assimilate to American society.
Old stock immigrants and their native-born descendants did not consider any of these second wavers to be white. Additionally, they did not think that any of them could successfully assimilate to American society.
January 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Today: The Backlash to the Second Wave
Old stock immigrants and their native-born descendants did not consider any of these second wavers to be white. Additionally, they did not think that any of them could successfully assimilate to American society.
Old stock immigrants and their native-born descendants did not consider any of these second wavers to be white. Additionally, they did not think that any of them could successfully assimilate to American society.
Immigration discussion, Day 3: Second Wave (pt. 5)
What was required to immigrate to America at the turn of the twentieth century? Almost nothing.
Travel by steamship was faster and cheaper than travel had ever been before
What was required to immigrate to America at the turn of the twentieth century? Almost nothing.
Travel by steamship was faster and cheaper than travel had ever been before
January 23, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Immigration discussion, Day 3: Second Wave (pt. 5)
What was required to immigrate to America at the turn of the twentieth century? Almost nothing.
Travel by steamship was faster and cheaper than travel had ever been before
What was required to immigrate to America at the turn of the twentieth century? Almost nothing.
Travel by steamship was faster and cheaper than travel had ever been before
Immigration discussion, Day 3: Second Wave (pt.4)
Many of those who came during the Second Wave (1880-1920) did so to work in America’s growing industrial and manufacturing sectors. Looking for cheap labor, employers would send scouts to recruit workers from poor areas of Europe.
Many of those who came during the Second Wave (1880-1920) did so to work in America’s growing industrial and manufacturing sectors. Looking for cheap labor, employers would send scouts to recruit workers from poor areas of Europe.
January 23, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Immigration discussion, Day 3: Second Wave (pt.4)
Many of those who came during the Second Wave (1880-1920) did so to work in America’s growing industrial and manufacturing sectors. Looking for cheap labor, employers would send scouts to recruit workers from poor areas of Europe.
Many of those who came during the Second Wave (1880-1920) did so to work in America’s growing industrial and manufacturing sectors. Looking for cheap labor, employers would send scouts to recruit workers from poor areas of Europe.
Immigration discussion, Day 3: Second Wave (pt. 3)
The second wave was a different type of migration.
Second Wave immigrants were economic immigrants rather than folk immigrants. This essentially meant that they came for work and did not necessarily have any plans to stay.
The second wave was a different type of migration.
Second Wave immigrants were economic immigrants rather than folk immigrants. This essentially meant that they came for work and did not necessarily have any plans to stay.
January 23, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Immigration discussion, Day 3: Second Wave (pt. 3)
The second wave was a different type of migration.
Second Wave immigrants were economic immigrants rather than folk immigrants. This essentially meant that they came for work and did not necessarily have any plans to stay.
The second wave was a different type of migration.
Second Wave immigrants were economic immigrants rather than folk immigrants. This essentially meant that they came for work and did not necessarily have any plans to stay.
Immigration discussion, Day 3: Second Wave (pt. 2)
The ethnic make-up of the Second Wave (1880-1920) was very different from the first. For one thing, it was more diverse.
The second wave came from Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe. They spoke a variety of languages and were not Protestant.
The ethnic make-up of the Second Wave (1880-1920) was very different from the first. For one thing, it was more diverse.
The second wave came from Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe. They spoke a variety of languages and were not Protestant.
January 22, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Immigration discussion, Day 3: Second Wave (pt. 2)
The ethnic make-up of the Second Wave (1880-1920) was very different from the first. For one thing, it was more diverse.
The second wave came from Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe. They spoke a variety of languages and were not Protestant.
The ethnic make-up of the Second Wave (1880-1920) was very different from the first. For one thing, it was more diverse.
The second wave came from Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe. They spoke a variety of languages and were not Protestant.
Hello Threads! It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to talk more about immigration!
Today’s topic: The Second Wave (1880-1920)
The numbers (1900-1920)
Italian 22%
Austro-Hungarian* 22%
Russian and Baltic States 18%
Other NW Europeans 18%
Canadian 6%
Asian 4%
German 4%
All others 6%
Today’s topic: The Second Wave (1880-1920)
The numbers (1900-1920)
Italian 22%
Austro-Hungarian* 22%
Russian and Baltic States 18%
Other NW Europeans 18%
Canadian 6%
Asian 4%
German 4%
All others 6%
January 22, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Hello Threads! It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to talk more about immigration!
Today’s topic: The Second Wave (1880-1920)
The numbers (1900-1920)
Italian 22%
Austro-Hungarian* 22%
Russian and Baltic States 18%
Other NW Europeans 18%
Canadian 6%
Asian 4%
German 4%
All others 6%
Today’s topic: The Second Wave (1880-1920)
The numbers (1900-1920)
Italian 22%
Austro-Hungarian* 22%
Russian and Baltic States 18%
Other NW Europeans 18%
Canadian 6%
Asian 4%
German 4%
All others 6%
There are two aspects of the First Wave that we don’t talk about very much.
1. The Chicano/Latino, Mestizo, and Indigenous populations who didn’t come to America - because America came to them. A not-insignificant number of people were made into Americans (1850s) when we took the SW from Mexico.
1. The Chicano/Latino, Mestizo, and Indigenous populations who didn’t come to America - because America came to them. A not-insignificant number of people were made into Americans (1850s) when we took the SW from Mexico.
January 22, 2025 at 2:24 AM
There are two aspects of the First Wave that we don’t talk about very much.
1. The Chicano/Latino, Mestizo, and Indigenous populations who didn’t come to America - because America came to them. A not-insignificant number of people were made into Americans (1850s) when we took the SW from Mexico.
1. The Chicano/Latino, Mestizo, and Indigenous populations who didn’t come to America - because America came to them. A not-insignificant number of people were made into Americans (1850s) when we took the SW from Mexico.
Ok, let’s talk about anti-immigrant/nativist sentiment during the first half of the 19th century - it was definitely there.
For one thing, the was the Know-Nothing Party which was active in the 1850s. They mostly objected to the large numbers of Catholic Irish who were arriving at that time.
For one thing, the was the Know-Nothing Party which was active in the 1850s. They mostly objected to the large numbers of Catholic Irish who were arriving at that time.
January 22, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Ok, let’s talk about anti-immigrant/nativist sentiment during the first half of the 19th century - it was definitely there.
For one thing, the was the Know-Nothing Party which was active in the 1850s. They mostly objected to the large numbers of Catholic Irish who were arriving at that time.
For one thing, the was the Know-Nothing Party which was active in the 1850s. They mostly objected to the large numbers of Catholic Irish who were arriving at that time.
Let’s stick with the Irish for a minute.
Now, it is true that the Catholic Irish met with discrimination upon arrival. They were not considered entirely white in part due to their Catholicism. Some places would not hire them and some landlords who would not accept Irish tenants.
Now, it is true that the Catholic Irish met with discrimination upon arrival. They were not considered entirely white in part due to their Catholicism. Some places would not hire them and some landlords who would not accept Irish tenants.
January 21, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Let’s stick with the Irish for a minute.
Now, it is true that the Catholic Irish met with discrimination upon arrival. They were not considered entirely white in part due to their Catholicism. Some places would not hire them and some landlords who would not accept Irish tenants.
Now, it is true that the Catholic Irish met with discrimination upon arrival. They were not considered entirely white in part due to their Catholicism. Some places would not hire them and some landlords who would not accept Irish tenants.
Immigration Discussion, Day 2: First Wave (pt. 4)
The Irish.
Some proportion of the Irish are actually Protestant Scots-Irish. Catholic Irish began arriving in America in large numbers in the 1840s.
The Irish are relatively poor and so stay in coastal ports because they cannot afford to move on.
The Irish.
Some proportion of the Irish are actually Protestant Scots-Irish. Catholic Irish began arriving in America in large numbers in the 1840s.
The Irish are relatively poor and so stay in coastal ports because they cannot afford to move on.
January 21, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Immigration Discussion, Day 2: First Wave (pt. 4)
The Irish.
Some proportion of the Irish are actually Protestant Scots-Irish. Catholic Irish began arriving in America in large numbers in the 1840s.
The Irish are relatively poor and so stay in coastal ports because they cannot afford to move on.
The Irish.
Some proportion of the Irish are actually Protestant Scots-Irish. Catholic Irish began arriving in America in large numbers in the 1840s.
The Irish are relatively poor and so stay in coastal ports because they cannot afford to move on.
Immigration Discussion, Day 2: First Wave (pt.3)
Germans first.
In general, the Germans who came in the first wave of immigration (1790-1880) were relatively wealthy - at least enough that the could buy land right away. They settled largely in the Midwest. Scandinavians focused on the Great Lakes.
Germans first.
In general, the Germans who came in the first wave of immigration (1790-1880) were relatively wealthy - at least enough that the could buy land right away. They settled largely in the Midwest. Scandinavians focused on the Great Lakes.
January 21, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Immigration Discussion, Day 2: First Wave (pt.3)
Germans first.
In general, the Germans who came in the first wave of immigration (1790-1880) were relatively wealthy - at least enough that the could buy land right away. They settled largely in the Midwest. Scandinavians focused on the Great Lakes.
Germans first.
In general, the Germans who came in the first wave of immigration (1790-1880) were relatively wealthy - at least enough that the could buy land right away. They settled largely in the Midwest. Scandinavians focused on the Great Lakes.
Immigration discussion, Day 2: First Wave! (pt. 2)
The First Wave of Immigration was made up (mostly) of two distinct parts: People from Britain and Ireland, and what I call Germany+.
Britain is England, Scotland, and Wales, which along with Ireland in this period make up the United Kingdom.
The First Wave of Immigration was made up (mostly) of two distinct parts: People from Britain and Ireland, and what I call Germany+.
Britain is England, Scotland, and Wales, which along with Ireland in this period make up the United Kingdom.
January 21, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Immigration discussion, Day 2: First Wave! (pt. 2)
The First Wave of Immigration was made up (mostly) of two distinct parts: People from Britain and Ireland, and what I call Germany+.
Britain is England, Scotland, and Wales, which along with Ireland in this period make up the United Kingdom.
The First Wave of Immigration was made up (mostly) of two distinct parts: People from Britain and Ireland, and what I call Germany+.
Britain is England, Scotland, and Wales, which along with Ireland in this period make up the United Kingdom.
Hello Threads! Another day, another discussion on American immigration!
Next up: First Wave! (1790-1880)
By the numbers (1860-1900*)
German: 28%
British: 18%
Irish: 15%
Scandinavian: 11%
Other Northwestern European: 4%
*Central, Eastern, & Southern Europeans*: 24%
Next up: First Wave! (1790-1880)
By the numbers (1860-1900*)
German: 28%
British: 18%
Irish: 15%
Scandinavian: 11%
Other Northwestern European: 4%
*Central, Eastern, & Southern Europeans*: 24%
January 21, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Hello Threads! Another day, another discussion on American immigration!
Next up: First Wave! (1790-1880)
By the numbers (1860-1900*)
German: 28%
British: 18%
Irish: 15%
Scandinavian: 11%
Other Northwestern European: 4%
*Central, Eastern, & Southern Europeans*: 24%
Next up: First Wave! (1790-1880)
By the numbers (1860-1900*)
German: 28%
British: 18%
Irish: 15%
Scandinavian: 11%
Other Northwestern European: 4%
*Central, Eastern, & Southern Europeans*: 24%
Immigration discussion: The Colonial Years (pt. 4)
Not all European incomers were considered white - or worthy of being American.
Ben Franklin: “Why should PA . . . become a colony of Aliens? . . [Germans] will never adopt our customs, any more than they can acquire our complexion.
⬇️
Not all European incomers were considered white - or worthy of being American.
Ben Franklin: “Why should PA . . . become a colony of Aliens? . . [Germans] will never adopt our customs, any more than they can acquire our complexion.
⬇️
January 21, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Immigration discussion: The Colonial Years (pt. 4)
Not all European incomers were considered white - or worthy of being American.
Ben Franklin: “Why should PA . . . become a colony of Aliens? . . [Germans] will never adopt our customs, any more than they can acquire our complexion.
⬇️
Not all European incomers were considered white - or worthy of being American.
Ben Franklin: “Why should PA . . . become a colony of Aliens? . . [Germans] will never adopt our customs, any more than they can acquire our complexion.
⬇️
Immigration Discussion: The Colonial Years (pt. 3)
In this period, the Irish are about 18.5% of the population (1700-1775).
EXCEPT: They’re not all actually Irish. 48% of the Irish are actually the Scots-Irish. These people were Scots who settled in Ireland first before coming to the Americas.
In this period, the Irish are about 18.5% of the population (1700-1775).
EXCEPT: They’re not all actually Irish. 48% of the Irish are actually the Scots-Irish. These people were Scots who settled in Ireland first before coming to the Americas.
January 20, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Immigration Discussion: The Colonial Years (pt. 3)
In this period, the Irish are about 18.5% of the population (1700-1775).
EXCEPT: They’re not all actually Irish. 48% of the Irish are actually the Scots-Irish. These people were Scots who settled in Ireland first before coming to the Americas.
In this period, the Irish are about 18.5% of the population (1700-1775).
EXCEPT: They’re not all actually Irish. 48% of the Irish are actually the Scots-Irish. These people were Scots who settled in Ireland first before coming to the Americas.