Italian Immigrants in America Essay - 1350 Words

Italian Immigrants in America Ever since the United States was founded, immigrants have been arriving on its soil. The first white inhabitants of the U.S. were immigrants from Europe. They came for many reasons, such as religion and opportunity. As the country grew and became more prosperous, it became more enticing to foreigners looking for opportunity. This continued into the 20th century and finally during the 1920’s, the United States began to restrict immigrants from coming to their country, mostly for cultural and economic reasons. Even the immigrants that were allowed in during the 20’s faced many hardships such as religious persecution, racism, and xenia phobia. One of the major groups of immigrants during that†¦show more content†¦The old stock Americans werent used to the immigrants and for this reason they thought less of them and oppressed them. The Italians and other immigrants were blamed for many of the nations problems. For example, the government led raids on immigr ants’ houses because they feared the immigrants were communists. This was evidenced in the Sacco and Vanzetti trial, when two Italian immigrants were convicted for murder and the prosecution had no real substantial evidence. They were convicted mainly because of their beliefs, not their actions. Religious beliefs also brought the immigrants problems. The KKK was openly anti-Catholic and most of the Italians were catholic. The immigrants and Italians also helped to bring on prohibition. The Americans didnt approve of their drinking habits; therefore the prohibition amendment was made for this and other reasons. Job competition was also a major reason for the racist feelings of the Americans. Native white workers saw the immigrants as competitors for the jobs that they felt they should have. A good example of this competition was â€Å"birds of passage.† These were Italian workers who came to work in the U.S. but later returned to Italy with the money they earn ed in the U.S. From 1899-1924 3.8 million Italians came to the United States, but 2.1 million left to return to Italy during the sameShow MoreRelatedItalian Immigrants Holiday Traditions1262 Words   |  5 Pageshere has been lost. Immigrants of Italy brought to America their family-centered culture of celebrating these holidays. Their culture was so influencing that villages for the Italians were actually formed. The Italians celebrated numerous holidays in Italy; most celebrations included their fine foods and wine. Although, after the immigrants arrived in America they no longer observed many of the holidays that they did in Italy. 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In 1917 America enteredRead More Discrimination of Italian Immigrants in American History Essay1188 Words   |  5 PagesDiscrimination of Italian Immigrants in American History Fear is a great motivator in man.   In the 1920s, immigrants were coming over to the United States in mass quantities.   Most of these immigrants were from Southern or Eastern Europe, parts of Asia and Mexico.   Because these groups differed in culture, race, and religion from the majority of White Americans, as the immigrant population increased, so did hostility and displeasure towards them.   Italians made up 11.8%, or 550,460 immigrants betweenRead More Italian Immigrants Essays1554 Words   |  7 PagesImmigration began late for the Italian population. With the main period of immigration coming in the late 19th century, Italians were already several steps behind the Irish, German, and French immigrants (Nelli 38). 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As the country developed and became more successful it attracted outsiders who were searching for chancesRead MoreItalian Immigration And The United States1551 Words   |  7 PagesRoaldi U.S. History 19 September 2014 Italian Immigration Many Italians made the United States their home, but getting to the Land of the Free was not easy for them. Many things made the Italians move from their country, and many things brought them to the United States. They faced many hardships while in the country. They all managed to find work in different areas, and in different time periods. They also left important legacies. The things that drove Italians out of Italy and to the United StatesRead MoreChinese Immigrant Lee Chew Denounces Prejudice In America1708 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Chinese Immigrant Lee Chew Denounces Prejudice in America, 1882† A Comprehensive view of Discrimination in Nineteenth Century America In â€Å"Chinese Immigrant Lee Cew Denounces Prejudice in America, 1882†, we read the account of Chinese immigrant Lee Chew who, writing in 1882, finds himself discontented with the treatment he endures as an immigrant from China. Lee Chew’s experience was not unique; the Chinese immigration experience was one that was marked by discrimination and general exploitationRead MoreEssay on American Immigration1388 Words   |  6 Pagescultures: from Italian to German, French to Jewish, Irish to African American (American Cities/New York/African American/Intergroup Relations/Color Lines). New York City was a prime location for the immigrants and migrants of the time to create their new lives. They joked that â€Å"The Jews own New York, the Irish run it and the Negroes enjoy it† (American Cities/New York/African American/Intergroup Relations/Color Lines). The single line clearly shows how each group, Jewish, Italian, and African AmericanRead MoreMany scholars have written about the particularly intimate connection between food and family1400 Words   |  6 Pagesbetween food and family prevalent in Italian-American culture. Herbert Gans interprets this to be a legacy of the traditional Southern Italian peasant culture that the immigrant generation successfully passed down to the younger generations in America. Thus, the connection is implied to be a â€Å"transplanted† cultural trait. However, when viewed in light of the social changes in America, this bond was inevitably affected by the Italians’ experiences in America. Italian-American food culture was a tradition