John Francis Maguire’s essay taken from the book The Irish in America explains the

plight and prejudice against the Irish immigrant in America following the Civil War. It is a

commentary that explains how the Irishman was treated in America as well as explaining how

he acted in the American culture during that time. It reveals to us the class struggle in the

country at that time and why it existed. He explained why the Irish were having trouble seeking

advancement and what they could have done to make a better life for themselves.

Francis Maguire begins by explaining the plight of the Irishman in America. It was

common for a new immigrant to land in New York City and once there it was difficult to move

on either because work was readily available or they had run out of money to move deeper into

the country. Most immigrants were of the poor peasant laborer class so when they arrived they

came with few skills or social training. Maguire also explains that there was a predisposition to

assume that every Irish immigrant was an alcoholic or prone to drink.

Maguire does his best to diffuse the racial stereotype that the Irish are alcoholics. To

counter this argument he explains that they do not drink any more than any other type of

people in the country. He goes on to list the attributes of the Irish people and states that they

are a fair hearted and hard working people. Maguire also explains that his peoples religion

presents a minor problem in America because they are primarily Catholic whereas most of the

people living their belonged to one of the protestant denominations.

To sum up his essay he provides the reader an example of Irish women who is the

caretaker for a prosperous family. He explains how much responsibility she has gained and

characterizes it as a staple of the Irish people. Then Maguire shows us how the immigrant

handles social situations where they are ridiculed for their religion or beliefs.
 John Maguire believes that the Irish people could be far better off if they moved

westward to take advantage of the many opportunities available there. He thought that New

York City and other industrial hubs were not the best places for his people to be living in

because they could do far better elsewhere. He warns that cities easily become overcrowded

and are more dependent upon trade than agriculture is. He states “in all cities growing in

wealth and accommodation the dwelling of the poor is yearly sacrificed to the increasing

necessities or luxury of the rich.” (Maguire 298) If the Irish people were better able to disperse

themselves amongst the country they would be able to live much better lives.

The portion of the book The Irish in America by John Francis Maguire shows the reader

the trials and tribulations that an immigrant faced coming to America from Ireland. Maguire

explains the facets of life that the immigrant was bound to expect and what could be done to

make life better for them in the country