Large steamships transported passengers across the Atlantic Ocean. The trip could take up to two weeks. Wealthy passengers traveled in first or second class and had rooms onboard the ship. Most passengers were not wealthy, so they traveled in third class in the lowest part of ship, known as the "steerage" section. Steerage was usually a large, open section of the ship where people were crowded together. Consequently, many people in steerage caught illnesses from one another. When they arrived in New York, first- and second-class passengers were quickly inspected and allowed to enter the country. All steerage passengers went to Ellis Island for further inspection.

What details could you include in your discussion of immigrants’ experiences during the journey to America? Check all that apply.

Steamships were much larger than other ships.
The trip could take up to two weeks.
Most passengers traveled in steerage.
Steerage was a crowded lower section of the ship.
Many steerage passengers caught illnesses.