Immigration The Irish Experience

Where is Ireland?

This is Ireland

Images of Ireland

Why did People Decide to Leave Ireland? Push Factors The Irish Potato Famine The Great Hunger Poverty British Oppression

Why did People Decide to Leave Ireland?

Why Choose America? Promise of Freedom (religious and political) Hope for a new life Jobs Land “Streets paved with gold”

What Irish Immigrants Anticipated.

Getting to America

What America Was Really Like When You Arrived Most settled directly in the ports of debarkation. (Ex. NY) Often poor, they crowded into subdivided homes intended for one family. (Tenement housing) Living conditions were cramped and in many cases unsanitary due to lack of proper sewage and running water. They were often treated badly by other Americans because of their poor living conditions and their willingness to work for low pay. In some cases, their willingness to work for low pay put them at risk for being taken advantage of by their employers.

What did this group contribute to American culture Politics! Over time, the large number of Irish immigrants and Their organizational ability, made this group a powerful political force. This made it possible to appoint other Irish immigrants to positions such as: policeman, fireman, and teachers. Social Services! Opportunities for jobs increased as more Irish immigrants began serving in politics and looking out for their own. - Unions and other social service organizations were created to support workers. Many early union and religious leaders were Irish. American Language! Their drive and charm introduced such terms as the “Fighting Irish” into the American language.