1. ghettos : ethnic neighborhoods
- A ghetto is an area of a city that is like a slum. It is usually occupied by members of minority groups.
2. melting pot : mix of different cultures and customs
- The United States was known as a melting pot because people from all types of countries and cultures settled here.
3. birds of passage : immigrants who planned to return to their homeland
- The phrase "birds of passage" refers to someone who stays somewhere for just a short time. This is just like migratory birds, which is where the phrase comes from.
4. patronage : granting of government jobs to political supporters
- Patronage is defined as the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual gives to another.
5. bimetallic : the use of both gold and silver to support the currency
- Tecnically, it is defined as the use of two metals.
6. urbanization : the growth of cities
- Urbanization is in reference to movement from rural to urban areas. This would cause cities to grow.
7. suburb : residential area located near a large city
- Many people enjoy living in suburbs, because they have the necessities of the city nearby but can live more relaxed than they could in the city.
8. tenements: apartment buildings housing multiple families
- In the United States, tenements are usually run down apartment buildings or a slum building.