Immigration

History and Perception

Statistics

The Irish• Between the 1820’s and 1860’s the

Irish were the most numerous immigrant group to arrive in the US.

• A blight had taken a toll on the potato crop leaving the island in famine. Many left seeking economic opportunity.

• Once in the US, the Irish tended to settle in large NE cities such as Boston, Philly, NYC & Balt.

Potato Famine

Prejudice and Nativism• Upon arrival, the Irish found that

many native-born Americans resented competition for jobs and sought to limit their influence in American society. A political party emerged to represent these sentiments. They were called the “Know Nothings”

The ‘Know Nothings’ Flag

Anti-Irish/Anti-Catholic Sentiment

Societal Reaction

• The Irish were not the only one’s to face prejudice and resentment upon arrival to the US. All immigrants were subject to such sentiments to varying degrees. Do these ideas remain today?

Uncle Sam as….

Conditions upon arrival

• Once in the US, many immigrants settled in ethnic ghettos in large cities. For some opportunity flourished, for most conditions were hard. Overcrowding, low wages and long hours typified the immigrant experience.

So why do they come?