Most immigrants that have immigrated to the United States from Europe have been Italians. Like all other immigrants, they left their homelands for reasons such as freedom. A few of the main reasons for the spur of Italian immigration to the United States is because of overpopulation, poverty, and natural disasters. Three specific natural disasters during the late 1800s such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis encouraged immigration out of Italy. Also, in the 1870s, a rise in birthrates and a decline in death rates led to overpopulation and resulted in many poor Italians. Most Italians were illiterate and had very little of no education. High taxes from the government also pushed Italian immigration. Northern Italians were the earliest of the Italians to immigrate to the United States.
When they arrived, most of them became successful fruit merchants and wine growers in New York and California. Once there were enough Italians in America, they built their own communities ans aid societies. Italians who were able to build up a big enough fortune in America returned to Italy, only about half made America their permanent home. While in America they faced many challenges such as low political statuses, language barriers, and especially difficult occupations. Italians were manly constructions workers, builders, and cleaners. Few went into farming. They also developed reputations as criminals and were seen as apart of the lower class. Despite difficulties they were able to open up businesses and hold positions in politics. They also contributed greatly to American culture with their foods, literature, arts, and music. Foods such as pizza, pasta, and cheese are widely eaten in America thanks to the Italians. The same difficulties like population pressure, unemployment, and poor education sent Chinese, French Canadians, Greeks, Japanese, Mexicans, and Slavs to the United States, straight into the famous immigration port of Ellis Island.
When they arrived, most of them became successful fruit merchants and wine growers in New York and California. Once there were enough Italians in America, they built their own communities ans aid societies. Italians who were able to build up a big enough fortune in America returned to Italy, only about half made America their permanent home. While in America they faced many challenges such as low political statuses, language barriers, and especially difficult occupations. Italians were manly constructions workers, builders, and cleaners. Few went into farming. They also developed reputations as criminals and were seen as apart of the lower class. Despite difficulties they were able to open up businesses and hold positions in politics. They also contributed greatly to American culture with their foods, literature, arts, and music. Foods such as pizza, pasta, and cheese are widely eaten in America thanks to the Italians. The same difficulties like population pressure, unemployment, and poor education sent Chinese, French Canadians, Greeks, Japanese, Mexicans, and Slavs to the United States, straight into the famous immigration port of Ellis Island.