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irish immigration patterns

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Discipline:
Social Studies Subject:
History

Conditions of Ireland

American Experiences

The Journey to America

IRISH IMMIGRANTS

Irish Immigrants

Sacrafices They Made

By: Candice Quinlan

WHY DID THEY LEAVE? The Irish left their native country to seek relief from multiple struggles taking place in Ireland. In 1803, the Act of Union was passed which pushed Ireland under British Policy. The Napoleanic Wars caused the population to increase greatly, leaving them poor and out of money. Protestant Masters formed a prejudice again Irish Catholics. In 1845, the potato famine lead many Irish to flee from the country to avoid death.

Imagine having to leave your native country to basically start a new life. That's what immigrants, including the Irish, had to do when they ventured to the US. Many of them had to leave behind their families, culture, native language, and personal records; basically their entire previously known life.

Majority of Irish immigrants came to the United States on ships. Some of the wealthy were able to travel on airplanes.

Two common entry points for Irish immigrants were New York and Canada. Many ships arrived at Ellis Island in New York. Others went to Canada because lower fares were offered and then cheap fairs to the United States could be purchased or they could walk across the border, this was cheaper then traveling straight to New York.

*April 27, 1901 Dear Mother and Father, It has been a long and slow trip here to the United States, but I have finally made it. The ship ride was terrible, all of us with small amounts of money had to stay in the lower levels of the ship, it was so crowded and hot. It smelt horrible with all of us in one area, but I am excited yet nervous to see how different this life in a free country will be. I hope to write again soon after I get adjusted. Miss you and hope talk to you soon. Your son, Tom Byron

WHY DID THEY COME HERE? Irish immigrants came here for better opportunities and more freedom.

When Irish immigrants came to the United States, they mostly settled in the Eastern States; New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, and NewJersey. Since they did not have much money, they could not travel to a different area so they stayed close to where they entered the country. Other Americans treated the Irish poorly at first, there were many prejudices against them and Americans felt like the Irish were taking their jobs. Several businesses hung signs in their windows that said, "No Irish Need Apply."

*Assimilation was necessary for Irish immigrants to belong to the American culture like they do today. They assimilated by learning how to speak English, adapting to the cultural norms, and by working hard to reach their American dream. Although they assimilated, they were still able to maintain their own culture. For example, St. Patrick's day is a day to celebrate the Irish culture and traditions.

Even though many Americans did not like the Irish, they took jobs that the Americans were not as willing to complete. They helped to work on build railroads which involved a lot of physical labor since not much technology was available at the time.

*IMMIGRATION POLICY THAT HAS IMPACTED IRISH IMMIGRANTS In the 1840s, during the crucial time of immigration for the Irish, there was a political party called the Know Nothing Party who was against immigrantion. Members of the party were worried about the amount of immigrants entering the United States from Ireland and Germany who were Catholics. This made it more difficult for incoming Irish immigrants. In 1924, the National Origins Act was put into place. As opposed to the Know Nothing Party, this act was benficial for the Irish. The act allowedmore immigrants from the countries who were already present to keep coming but new immigrants were only wanted in small numbers.