Culture On The Iron Range Case Study

Cultures on the Iron Range 1880-1930 Immigration to America is one of the most life changing experiences for men, women, and families. The journey of moving to a foreign land, primarily from Europe, and leaving home behind can be unimaginable for many kids. Diverse cultures have shaped America to what people know today. People immigrate for many different reasons. Some immigrate due to economic, environmental, political, social reasons. Or to simply to seek a better life. Every individual man, woman, and family has their own story filled with joy and hardships.
People, cultures and change over time is the standard the Culture on the Iron Range lesson plan covers. The unit plan will engulf in the standard, differences and similarities of
Iron ore mining in Northeastern MN was started in the 1880’s and was the primary reason that drew immigrants to the location. From 1880-1930 the three most distinctive cultures that were the most prominent in the iron range were Scandinavian, Slavic, and Italian people.
In an era before technology, TV, radio, and telephone, the three groups had no knowledge of the others existence. The groups interacted together for the first time on the range. The groups experienced with conflict, mistrust, and misunderstanding from each other. The three groups were expected to collaborate in a common workplace, with different languages, cultures, religious practices, and physical appearances. The Iron range was physically shaped by these struggles and caused a strong division of cities. Violence, and discrimination were prominent during the
The people endured harsh living conditions, low wages, and worked poor hours. The women did not have many rights and the primary role included domestic duties. Immigrants faced social prejudices. Native-born Americans occupied the best-paying jobs at the mines. Immigrants from northern European counties were “desirable workers”. On the other hand, southern and eastern European workers were considered physically and intellectually inferior, getting paid lower wages. The community leaders looked down upon the southern and eastern European immigrants. Some of the hardships the discrimination include were congested living, imbalanced sex ratios, perceived immorality, and associated with political radicalism. Diverse religions cause another layer of conflict. Many immigrants were Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Jewish. The Ku Klux Klan developed later during the 1920’s and were mainly made up of potential bosses and powerful men in high