The Journey and Entrance
Like most immigration groups, the French primary entered the United States through Ellis Island. Here, they were screened for things like disease before they were let into the country. If immigrants were not sick, they usually got into the country without any resistance. Many of these immigrants went to New York, where factory jobs were plentiful. The French, in particular, seemed to be drawn towards work in textile mill. They were often forced to work under deplorable conditions here without fair pay. This occurrence was very common with immigration groups, as they are frequently forced to take low paying jobs to survive. Immigrants were almost always left to endure the viscous cycle of racism and social oppression during their first years in the country.
Life in America
French Mill works from Kerr Thread Mill in Fall River, Massachusetts
During the 1840s there was a need for labor in the mills. French families were recruited to work in the mills in Woonsocket. By 1900, Woonsocket had the highest population of French people. Sixty percent of all the people living in Woonsocket were French Canadian. Their homes and living conditions were not ideal. They were often overcrowded and dirty. Before the French Canadian's lifestyle was based off farming in Quebec but, they shifted into labor intensive jobs in mills. They worked in terrible conditions with dust flying all around them and being cold and drafty in the winter. The summer was always hot and humid which created uncomfortable working conditions all year round.
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French girl working at a spinning room at Glenallen Mill in Winchendon, Massachusetts
Terrible Living conditions in Woonsocket, RI 1912