Social Turning Point

From 1820 to 1870, 7.5 million immigrants settled in America, completely changing the social landscape. ⅓ of these immigrants were from Ireland. The country was suffering from a period of extreme turmoil. The potato crops that the farmers depended on for their food were succumbing to an infection, and 3/4ths of the annual harvest were being ruined. So many farmers immigrated to America, searching for a better life.

Another ⅓ of the immigrants were from Germany. From 1845 to 1855, over a million immigrants ran from the economic hardship and growing political and rebellious turmoil on their home country. There was even a revolution in 1848.

However, these influxes of new people from different cultures were not always welcomed. Many disliked their Roman Catholic religion. Others were mad that they took their jobs because they were willing to work for much less. Some employers even put up signs that read “No Irish Need Apply”. On the political landscape, some pushed for legislation that would make the process of naturalization much harder and longer.

But in the end, the immigrants survived, and became a vital part of building America. Today, there are more Irish in America than there are in their home country.