The paper deals with the immigration of primarily Catholic Irish to America between the late 1810s and the late 1850s. The circumstances and reasons that stimulated emigration from Ireland are to be considered in this paper as well as the development of an Irish-American culture in the roughly fifty years comprising this period. Furthermore, the interaction between Irish immigrants and native-stock Americans is outlined in order to delineate the conditions Irish found in America. The period considered in this paper can approximately be divided into two stages: the era of pre-Famine migration and the decade of the Great Famine in Ireland between 1845 and 1855. The regional focus lies primarily on the cities in the industrial areas in the northeast of America where most of the immigrants arrived. In cities like New York or Boston the impact of Irish immigration to the New World can easily be seen; the steady influx of Irish newcomers made the effects of massive immigration on the society visible.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Pre-Famine Period
- Ireland before the Great Famine
- Pre-Famine immigration to America
- The Famine Years
- The Great Famine in Ireland
- Immigration to America during the Famine Years
- Irish Immigrants in America between 1845 and the late 1850s
- Summary
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to illustrate Irish, primarily Catholic Irish, immigration to America between the late 1810s and the late 1850s, from the end of the British-American War to the eve of the Civil War. It examines the circumstances and reasons behind emigration from Ireland, the development of Irish-American culture during this period, and the interaction between Irish immigrants and native-born Americans. The paper focuses on the northeast industrial cities where most immigrants settled, highlighting the impact of mass immigration on society.
- Causes of Irish emigration to America
- The changing composition of Irish immigrants (class, gender, religion)
- The development of Irish-American culture
- The interaction between Irish immigrants and native-born Americans
- The impact of Irish immigration on American society
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introduction establishes the context of Irish immigration to America during the 19th century, highlighting its scale and significance. It emphasizes the compelling political, religious, and economic factors driving mass emigration, particularly referencing Takaki's perspective on British oppression as a key motivator. The paper's objectives are clearly stated: to analyze the immigration patterns of Catholic Irish to America from the late 1810s to the late 1850s, focusing on the reasons for emigration, the development of Irish-American culture, and the interactions between immigrants and native-born Americans. The period is divided into pre- and post-Famine eras, with a focus on the northeast industrial cities like New York and Boston.
The Pre-Famine Period: This chapter covers the thirty years between the end of the British-American War (1815) and the start of the Great Famine (1845). It details how this era saw a significant shift in the demographics of Irish immigrants to America. Initially dominated by Protestant Scots-Irish from Ulster, the period witnessed a rise in Catholic Irish immigrants from the south and west of Ireland. This demographic shift is attributed to changes in the socio-political context in both Ireland and America. The chapter also discusses the relative ease of movement after the British-American War, contrasted with the preceding period, noting the use of Canadian ports and subsequent travel to the United States, influenced by the cost of passage and the development of the New York-Liverpool trade route.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Irish immigration, Irish-American culture, Great Famine, 19th-century America, Catholic Irish, Protestant Irish, Emigration, Industrial cities, Northeastern United States, Socio-political context, British oppression, Ethnic identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Irish Immigration to America
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of Irish immigration to America between the late 1810s and the late 1850s, focusing on the period from the end of the British-American War to the eve of the Civil War. It examines the reasons for emigration, the development of Irish-American culture, and the interactions between Irish immigrants and native-born Americans, particularly in northeastern industrial cities.
What time period does the text cover?
The text covers the period from the late 1810s to the late 1850s, encompassing the pre- and post-Great Famine eras in Ireland.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the causes of Irish emigration to America (political, religious, and economic factors), the changing demographics of Irish immigrants (class, gender, religion), the development of Irish-American culture, the interactions between Irish immigrants and native-born Americans, and the impact of Irish immigration on American society.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured into several sections: an introduction, chapters covering the pre- and post-famine periods, a chapter on Irish immigrants in America between 1845 and the late 1850s, and a summary. It also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main reasons for Irish emigration to America, according to the text?
The text points to a combination of political, religious, and economic factors driving mass emigration from Ireland. British oppression is highlighted as a key motivator, particularly referencing Takaki's perspective. The Great Famine plays a significant role in the later years of the period.
How does the text address the impact of the Great Famine?
The text divides the immigration period into pre- and post-Famine eras, examining how the famine drastically altered the scale and nature of Irish emigration to America. It explores the impact of the famine on the composition of immigrants and their experiences in America.
What geographical areas are focused on in this text?
The text primarily focuses on the northeastern industrial cities of the United States, such as New York and Boston, where most Irish immigrants settled.
What aspects of Irish-American culture are discussed?
The text explores the development of Irish-American culture during this period, although specific details are not provided in the preview.
What is the significance of the demographic shift among Irish immigrants?
The text notes a significant shift from predominantly Protestant Scots-Irish immigrants from Ulster in the early part of the period to a greater number of Catholic Irish immigrants from the south and west of Ireland, particularly after the start of the Great Famine.
What are some key terms associated with this text?
Key terms include: Irish immigration, Irish-American culture, Great Famine, 19th-century America, Catholic Irish, Protestant Irish, Emigration, Industrial cities, Northeastern United States, Socio-political context, British oppression, and Ethnic identity.
- Quote paper
- Thomas Eschner (Author), 2006, Irish Migration to North America - From the 1810s until the 1850s, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/120781
