In the 50 years after the Civil War, 25 million immigrants poured into the United States. Most were driven by hunger and poverty and drawn by hope of a better life. They came from places such as Italy, Eastern Europe, Armenia, China, and Mexico. During this time, American cities grew rapidly.

Population growth brought problems, including poor housing and strained city services. At the same time, it led to a rich mix of cultures. Cities fostered new leisure-time activities, such as sports. As education improved, newspapers, magazines, and new American fiction gained a larger audience.

Additional Activities

• "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to explore the value of education. (See Teacher's Edition, page 576.)
  
  
• Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on the conditions for immigrants on Angel Island and New York City tenements.
  
  

Section 1: The New Immigrants

Section 2: Booming Cities

Section 3: City Life Transformed

Section 4: Education and Culture