Spotlight on the USA
written by:
monicemo
The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material
Buy and sell all your summaries, notes, theses, essays, papers, cases, manuals, researches, and
many more..
www.stuvia.com
, Stuvia.com - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material
SCA Present – Introduction – Summary
American People
Native Americans
First people from Asia
Columbus called them “Indians” because he thought he had reached the East Indies.
In 1980 about 1.5. Million Indians in the USA.
Largest population of Indians in Western States: California, Oklahoma, Arizona, New
Mexico.
One third of Native Americans live on reservations. Poverty and unemployment are major
problems, especially on reservations.
British
Started in 1600s, eastern part of North America.
British culture was foundation on which America was built.
African- Americans
From 1620- 1820 largest group against their will; worked as slaves on plantations in the
South. Total about 8 million people.
Civil War in 1860s ended slavery and established equal rights for black Americans, but
many states, especially in South, passed laws segregating and discriminating against
black Americans. The civil rights movement (1950s and 1960s) helped get rid of these
laws.
However, blacks are still more likely to be poor and suffer the bad effects poverty brings.
About 12 % of population is black.
Live in cities of Northeast and Midwest.
Immigrants from Northern and Western Europe
Beginning in 1820s
Due to poverty problems, war and discrimination
First half-century: Germany, UK, Ireland, Sweden and Norway
Late 1840s: Irish people to USA due to failure of potato crop
Lot of land available for farming in USA; Midwest.
German and Scandinavian influence in Midwestern foods and festivals
Immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe
Immigration from northern and western Europe continued from 1870s till 1930s, even
more people from Italy, Greece, Poland, and Russia. To escape poverty and
discrimination.
1900 to 1910 about 9 million people.
During period US was changing from agricultural to industrial. New immigrants helped
make this possible. Settled in cities and worked in factories; bad conditions.
In 1920s discr. And prej. In US led to laws limiting immigration. Slowed down until 1960s
when laws were changed.
Hispanic-Americans
Of Spanish or Spanish-American origin. Lived in areas that later became part of USA (e.g.
California and New Mexico)
Hispanic immigration has increased greatly in recent decades.
Three large groups: Mexican-Americans (2/3) Puerto Ricans, Cuban-Americans
Much in common (language), many differences. Different areas. Mex-Am:
Texas/California. Puerto Ricans: NY, Cuban-Americans: Florida.
One of fastest growing groups in US population. Will be largest minority group.
Asian-Americans