Keenan ArenthPd. 6

Irish and German Immigration to American Cities (1840’s-

1850’s)

Most Irish came to escape the Irish potato famine.

Most of the Irish were very poor.Many settled in costal cities in

Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Many worked on the railroads, bridges, or in mines.

Forced to take low paying jobs

Irish Immigration

During the 1840’s, a German revolution was taking place.

Many of the educated immigrated to escape this revolt.

After the revolution failed, the common people began to immigrate.

Many of the German immigrants moved inland and became farmers.

Germans frequently had money upon arrival.Forced to take low paying jobs.

German Immigration

Native born citizens felt threatened by the immigrants

The wave of immigrant workers willing to work for low wages caused the native born workers to fear for their jobs.

In turn, there was much hostility between the native born citizens and immigrants.

Tension

The increase of immigrant workers allowed for increased production of various goods.

This greatly fueled the economy.

Economy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q9i-o9UvX8

Video