You are on page 1of 4

Americas Luck of the Irish?

Chapter 14 - Question 4

Why go to America?

Ireland, under the rule of England, was mostly farmland The Irish were solely dependent on the potato crop for food, but mostly trade. During the mid 1840s, a terrible rot attacked the plant

disease hit and the potato was struck 1/4 of the people were swept away by disease and hunger from the lack of starved bodies were found dead with grass in mouth

About 2 million Irish perished

American Treatment

The Irish ended up residing near port cities like Boston and New York

lack of money prevented from traveling west ended up becoming largest Irish holders in the World

They were illiterate, discriminated against by older Americans, and received lowest-paying jobs

kitchen maids (Biddies) canal diggers and railroad builders (Patricks)

Hated by protestants, because they were Catholics Factory workers hated the Irish because they were taking their jobs

many factories posted outside their doors -

NINA: No Irish Need Apply

Irish hated Blacks for the same reason... felt like there was no way they could be even mentioned in the same sentence as black people

Reputation Boost
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was established to aid the Irish.

Union created to protect the rights of the Irish Led to other workers Unions like Molly Maguires - 1860s 1870s

Gradual property ownership came about, and their children earned education.

Families sometimes pulled kids from schools to save money for land Property ownership counted as a grand success

The Irish were attracted to politics, and often filled police departments as officers.

soon took control of major cities by representing city councils and dominating city police departments

American politicians used Irishmens English hatred to sway over votes

Known as Twisting the British Lions Tail

You might also like