Lesson 4: Immigration and Tension within Whitechapel

• What groups of immigrants were present in Whitechapel?

  Irish, Eastern Europeans, and German immigrants
• Why was it difficult to catch immigrants in Whitechapel?

  Overcrowded areas made identification difficult
• How did the actions of some immigrants contribute to the Jack the Ripper case?

  Some committed violent acts, raising suspicion
• Why did many Irish immigrants move to London?

  To escape poverty in Ireland
• What did many Irish immigrants plan to do after saving money?

  Emigrate to America
• What was a common reason Irish immigrants spent their money in the East End?


  They frequented many pubs
• What was the goal of the Irish Fenians?

  To remove British government from Ireland
• How were the Fenians perceived by the public?

  They were seen as very dangerous
• What was 'Catholic Sunday' associated with?

  Negative views of Irish immigrants
• Why did many Jewish immigrants move to London?

  To escape poverty in Russian Europe
• Why did some Jewish immigrants segregate themselves?

  They preferred to live with similar people
• What was the impact of wealthy Jews on poorer Jewish immigrants?

  Wealthy Jews helped the poor more
• What caused jealousy among locals towards Jewish immigrants?

  Jews worked for lower wages
• What was the 'Holy Day' for Jewish workers?

  Sunday
• How did cultural differences affect local attitudes towards Jewish immigrants?

  It made locals feel different and uneasy
• What was a common response to the presence of Jewish immigrants?

  Anti-Semitic attitudes and attacks emerged
• What were socialists and anarchists attempting to do?

  Bring down the government by force
• Why were socialists believed to have moved to the East End?

  To prevent similar uprisings in London
• What did Lenin need to target immigrants as scapegoats?

  To divert attention from revolutionary activities
• What did socialists advocate for?

  More equality for the working class
• What did Lenin organize to support the poor?

  Protests and demonstrations
• What were the main features of the tension in Whitechapel?

  • Competition for housing and jobs
  • Mutual blame for lack of work
  • Influence of alcohol leading to violence
  • Racist attitudes within the police
  • Accusations against immigrants without evidence
  • Jewish workers running sweatshops
  • Blame for crimes on foreigners, e.g., Jack the Ripper
• How did the presence of Jewish workers affect local tensions?

  They worked for lower wages, causing resentment
• How did locals react to the Jack the Ripper murders?

  They often blamed Jews for the crimes