The EFFECTS of MIGRATION, Explained [AP World History Review—Unit 6 Topic 7]

Summary

The video discusses the effects of migration between 1750 and 1900, highlighting key social and cultural changes. It explores the gender imbalance in migrant societies, with women taking on traditionally male roles, leading to greater independence. The creation of ethnic enclaves in cities allowed migrants to preserve their cultures and contributed to cultural diffusion. However, nativism and racial prejudice also led to discriminatory policies, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act in the US and the White Australia policy. The video emphasizes how migration reshaped societies, both positively and negatively.

Takeaways

• 😀 The migration from 1750 to 1900 caused significant gender imbalances in home societies, as most migrants were men seeking jobs, leaving women to take on traditionally male roles.
• 😀 Women in regions with a high male migration rate, such as South Africa, began leading households and gaining financial independence through activities like selling food in the market.
• 😀 The increasing number of women in the workforce led to a popular saying among women in Africa: 'What is man? I have my own money.'
• 😀 The growth of ethnic enclaves in urban areas was another effect of migration, where immigrants lived together, preserving their cultural practices like language, religion, and food.
• 😀 Ethnic enclaves not only provided familiarity but also contributed to cultural diffusion, as migrant cultures began to influence and merge with those of the host society.
• 😀 For instance, Irish immigrants in the U.S. contributed to the spread of Catholicism, challenging the U.S.'s Protestant majority.
• 😀 Despite their contributions, migrants often faced nativism, which is a policy favoring native-born people over immigrants, rooted in ethnic and racial prejudice.
• 😀 The Irish in the U.S. were viewed as a lower race, leading to social and political marginalization, despite being considered white in Europe.
• 😀 Nativist reactions led to restrictive immigration policies, like the U.S.'s Chinese Exclusion Act, which limited Chinese immigration despite their key role in the U.S. railroad construction.
• 😀 Similarly, Australia passed the White Australia policy, severely limiting Asian immigration, reflecting nativist concerns about preserving a 'British' (white) population in the country.

Q & A

What was one major effect of migration on home societies between 1750 and 1900?

One major effect was an increasing gender imbalance, as the majority of migrants were men seeking jobs abroad, leaving more women than men in their home societies.

How did the absence of men affect women's roles in home societies?

Women took on roles traditionally reserved for men, such as breaking ground for planting, tending livestock, and managing subsistence farming, which led to greater financial independence.

Can you provide an example of how women gained independence due to migration?

In South Africa, about 60% of households were led by women, and some women sold excess food like cassava on the market, allowing them to gain financial independence.

What is an ethnic enclave and how did it emerge during this period?

An ethnic enclave is a geographic area with a high concentration of people from the same ethnicity living within a foreign culture. Migrants often clustered in cities, forming these enclaves for cultural familiarity and support.

How did ethnic enclaves contribute to cultural diffusion?

Ethnic enclaves introduced elements of their home culture, such as language, religion, and food, into the receiving society. For example, Irish enclaves in the U.S. contributed to the growth of Catholicism.

What is nativism, and how did it affect immigrants during this period?

Nativism is the policy of protecting the interests of native-born people over immigrants, often rooted in ethnic or racial prejudice. Immigrants were marginalized despite contributing to the economy.

How were Irish immigrants in the United States affected by nativism?

Irish immigrants were considered a lower race in the U.S., leading to social and political marginalization, even though they were considered white in Europe.

What was the Chinese Exclusion Act and why was it implemented?

The Chinese Exclusion Act, passed by the U.S. Congress, banned almost all Chinese immigration due to nativist backlash and resentment toward Chinese workers, despite their key role in building railroads.

What was the White Australia Policy?

The White Australia Policy was a British government initiative that almost completely restricted Asian immigration to Australia, aiming to maintain Australia as a predominantly white, British colony.

Why did ethnic enclaves form in major urban areas during this period?

Migrants often moved to cities where jobs were available, and clustering together allowed them to maintain their language, religion, and cultural practices while providing mutual support in unfamiliar environments.

What broader social changes occurred in societies experiencing high male migration?

Family structures changed, women gained economic opportunities, and traditional gender roles were challenged, leading to more women-led households and shifts in social dynamics.