A examination of the Irish immigration to America during the 19th century and the adjustments they had to make.

Irish Immigration

The nineteenth century movement to America

Along with Germans, the Irish were the largest nationality to immigrate to the United States during the nineteenth century. There are numerous reasons as to why the Irish came to America. As is the story with most immigrants, the Irish did not find it easy to assimilate to the new lifestyle presented in the United States. However, they found a way to make a successful living coming with nothing to a strange country.

In many situations the Irish were not leaving their homes by choice, but instead were forced to leave. One reason is because of the potato famine. Farmers were forced to sell their land. They took the money and sought out a more stable living condition in America. This was very difficult because in many cases the head of the family was forced to leave on his own. If he was successful then the family could follow later.

United States

English: Looking south from Top of the Rock, New Y...

United States

The situation drastically increased the number of immigrants that came to America from Ireland.

Another reason that the Irish came to the United States was due to the increasing pressure being felt from England. During the nineteenth century Ireland was being overrun by England, and the Irish citizens were being pushed into an English way of living. All of England's views were being pushed on the Irish. For fear of religious and political persecution many Irish fled to the United States. Although it was a less than desirable situation, it was a decision that many Irish immigrants needed to make because America would present more opportunity than an English led Ireland.

One of the main landing points for Irish immigrants was in New York City. It was a high traffic city for many immigrants, however Irish immigrants found a home there. When...