The March of Millions
The introduction of this method of marine transportation reduced transport times and costs for immigrants coming to the United States.
What are transoceanic steamships?
Facing adversity, the Irish formed these social support networks, serving as a benevolent society, which eventually contributed to the formation of the Molly Maguires.
What is the Ancient Order of Hibernians?
This item, popularized with the coming of German immigrants, led to later movements for temperance.
What is beer or alcohol?
This occurred when there was a fear that the Irish would racially pollute the Anglo-saxon nation, Irish or Germans were accused of being clannish, prevalence of crime and poverty in immigrant slums, anti-choicism, and more.
What is nativism?
These common misconceptions about immigration to America were highlighted by the following quote taken from a letter of a German immigrant in 1847:
“A lot of people come over here who were well off in Germany but were enticed to leave their fatherland by boastful and imprudent letters from their friends or children and thought they could become rich in America. This deceives a lot of people, since what can they do here? If they stay in the city they can only earn their bread at hard and unaccustomed labor. If they want to live in the country and don’t have enough money to buy a piece of land that is cleared and has a house then they have to settle in the wild bush and have to work very hard to clear the trees out of the way so they can sow and plant. But people who are healthy, strong, and hard-working do pretty well.”
What is (accept any of) the overstated promises for wealth and prosperity in America, misleading expectations of easy urban living and work opportunities, and unrealistic notions about settling in rural areas without recognizing the hard labor needed for land preparation?
Ireland, under British rule, experienced the potato famine, which led to these demographic changes.
What is 2 million people dying and thousands fleeing to America?
Between 1830 and 1860, over a million Germans stepped onto American soils, but they were often known as this because of their want to preserve their language and culture.
What is the “Damned Dutchmen”?
This economic activity attracted many German and Irish immigrants to the United States.
What is farming and agriculture?
The United States was ranked this in the world in terms of population.
What is fourth? (behind Russia, France, and Austria)
This common discriminatory phrase towards Irish immigrants upon their arrival in America, particularly seen in employment opportunities.
What is “No Irish Need Apply” or NINA?
This common winter holiday home feature is derived from German immigrants.
What is the Christmas tree?
This political party was formally known as the Order of the Star-Spangled Banner and materialized as the result of a large influx in immigration.
What is the Know Nothing Party?
This fictional character emerged from German immigrants, a character many children expect during the holidays.
Who is Santa Claus?