The Irish
Why did the Irish migrate to America?
The main reason why the Irish came to America is because of the potato famine in Ireland. Many people in Ireland had depended on potatos to feed their families and to sell for money. When the potato famine started, many people could no longer pay their land lords or feed thier families and had to leave. Two million Irish people left for America and another one million died of starvation. After 1860, 2.6 million Irish peopole had migrated to America from their homes in Ireland. Because of the famine, Irelands population went from 8 milllion to 4.5 million.
Where did the Irish settle in America and What did they do?
The Irish settled along the middle Atlantic Coast. The Irish were very poor when they settled and very much disliked by others. In the 19th century, most of the Irish lived in cellars and shanties. Once the Irish were settled, they became chamber maids, cooks, and caretakers of children. It was hard for the Irish to find jobs because they were disliked by others. Signs went up saying "Help Wanted, No Irish Need Apply". However, the Irish had better luck later and became some of the first drivers and conductors. A lot of the policemen and firemen were also Irish.