Factory Conditions: How did immigrants respond to challenges?
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Setting the Stage
What is a factory? Show video clip from PBS Learning Media about a child working in a shoe factory.
Women and Children in the Workforce
Learning Standards and Practices
4.7 IMMIGRATION AND MIGRATION FROM THE EARLY 1800S TO THE PRESENT: Many people have immigrated and migrated to New York State contributing to its cultural growth and development. (Standards: 1, 3, 4, 5; Themes: ID, MOV, CIV, ECO, EXCH)
4.7a Immigrants came to New York State for a variety of reasons. Many immigrants arriving in New York City were greeted by the sight of the Statue of Liberty and were processed through Ellis Island.
Ø Students will trace the arrival of various immigrant groups to New York State in the mid-1800s, 1890s, 1920s, mid-1900s, 1990s, and today; examining why they came and where they settled, noting the role of the Irish potato famine.
Ø Students will explore the experiences of immigrants being processed at Ellis Island and what challenges immigrants faced.
Ø Students will investigate factory conditions experienced by immigrants by examining sweatshops, the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, the use child labor, and the formation of labor unions.