In the first decade of the 20th century, when Lewis W. Hine took his first photo series at Ellis Island, 7 million immigrants came to the United States of America. In 1907 immigration’s peak was reached, when almost 3.000 immigrants, most of whom came from Southern and Eastern Europe, entered the New World on a daily basis. After Ellis Island had re-opened its gates for the immigration procedure in 1900, more than 75 percent of all immigrants who came to the United States entered the country through the port of New York City. In regard of these immigration numbers, one needs to ask how the inhabitants of New York City and American citizens in general reacted towards this mass immigration. In comparison to former immigrants, who mostly came from Northern and Western Europe, these “new” immigrants were not welcomed at all. Severe prejudices had already developed towards persons from countries which many native-born Americans seemed to consider as “undesirable” ones at that time. Mainly people’s fear resulted from ignorance, because to them these immigrants seemed to be an indistinguishable mass which overcrowded America. Many people feared that these immigrants would take away their jobs and living-space. There seemed to be little sympathy for those needy homeless, whose foreign appearance and different customs irritated the citizens of New York and elsewhere in the country.
When Lewis W. Hine went to Ellis Island to portrait those “huddled masses”, he must have had all those fears and prejudices against these newly arrivers in mind. Undoubtedly, there was a “great public interest in the issue of immigration” when he started his project in 1904 and Hine “was by no means the first, or only, photographer to work at Ellis Island.” Nevertheless, his approach seems to differ from the ones of other photographer of his time. Interestingly, something had happened at Ellis Island to make the teacher Hine want to become a professional photographer. I will try to reveal Hine’s personal opinion towards the social problem of immigration as well as his approach for betterment. Furthermore, I will discuss his photographic aims and goals by examining selected photographs of his first photographic series at Ellis Island.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Lewis W. Hine's Social Photography
- Hine's first photographic project at Ellis Island (1904 to 1909)
- Picture 1: Looking for lost baggage, Ellis Island, 1905
- Picture 2: Young Russian Jewess at Ellis Island, 1905
- Picture 3: Jews at Ellis Island, 1904
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore Lewis Hine's early photographic work at Ellis Island between 1904 and 1909, examining his approach to portraying immigrants and the social context of mass immigration to the United States during this period. It seeks to understand Hine's personal perspective on immigration and how his photographic style reflects the social anxieties and prejudices of the time.
- The social context of mass immigration to the US in the early 20th century.
- Lewis Hine's photographic techniques and style.
- Hine's personal views on immigration and social reform.
- The portrayal of immigrants in Hine's photography.
- The relationship between Hine's photography and the Progressive Era.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by outlining the massive influx of immigrants to the United States through Ellis Island in the early 1900s, particularly focusing on the period from 1904-1909 when Lewis Hine began his photographic project. It highlights the significant number of immigrants, their origins (largely Southern and Eastern Europe), and the procedures they faced at Ellis Island. The introduction also establishes the context of widespread prejudice and fear among native-born Americans towards these "new" immigrants, emphasizing the social tensions that formed the backdrop for Hine's work. The chapter concludes by posing key questions about Hine's motives and unique approach to photographing the immigrant experience at Ellis Island.
Lewis W. Hine's Social Photography: This chapter provides biographical context for understanding Hine's work. It details his background, including his education and teaching positions at the Ethical Culture School in New York City, highlighting the school's progressive values and focus on social reform within the broader context of the Progressive Era. The chapter emphasizes the profound influence of this social and educational environment on Hine's vision as both a teacher and a photographer, suggesting a direct connection between his educational philosophy and his photographic aims. It underscores the hopeful atmosphere of social betterment that shaped Hine's perspective.
Keywords
Lewis W. Hine, Ellis Island, immigration, social photography, Progressive Era, social reform, mass immigration, early 20th century America, immigrant experience, photography and social change.
Lewis W. Hine's Social Photography at Ellis Island: FAQ
What is the main focus of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive preview of a paper exploring Lewis Hine's early photographic work at Ellis Island between 1904 and 1909. It examines his approach to portraying immigrants, the social context of mass immigration to the United States during that period, and how his photography reflects the social anxieties and prejudices of the time.
What topics are covered in the text?
The text covers several key themes, including the social context of mass immigration to the US in the early 20th century, Lewis Hine's photographic techniques and style, his personal views on immigration and social reform, the portrayal of immigrants in his photography, and the relationship between his work and the Progressive Era. It also includes a chapter summary, a table of contents, objectives, and keywords.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents lists an introduction, a chapter on Lewis W. Hine's social photography, a section specifically detailing Hine's first photographic project at Ellis Island (1904-1909) with examples of his pictures, and a conclusion.
What are the key objectives of the paper previewed in this text?
The paper aims to explore Hine's early work at Ellis Island, analyzing his portrayal of immigrants and the social context of mass immigration. It seeks to understand Hine's perspective on immigration and how his photographic style reflects the social climate of the era.
What are the key themes explored?
Key themes include the social context of early 20th-century mass immigration to the US, Hine's photographic style, his personal views, the portrayal of immigrants in his photographs, and the connection between his work and the Progressive Era.
What is included in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide an overview of the introduction (setting the historical context of immigration and Hine's work), a chapter on Hine's biography and the influence of the Progressive Era on his photography, and the overall goals and approach of the analysis.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include Lewis W. Hine, Ellis Island, immigration, social photography, Progressive Era, social reform, mass immigration, early 20th-century America, immigrant experience, and photography and social change.
What specific images of Lewis Hine are mentioned?
The text mentions three specific photographs by Hine taken at Ellis Island: "Looking for lost baggage, Ellis Island, 1905," "Young Russian Jewess at Ellis Island, 1905," and "Jews at Ellis Island, 1904."
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- Quote paper
- Sonja Longolius (Author), 2003, Lewis W. Hine's Social Photography - Immigrants at Ellis Island 1904-1909, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/41719
