How did the irish imaigrants get treated in america?

Answer 1

There was a certain amount of prejudice against the Irish in the US, mostly after the inrush of immigrants after the Potato Famine in the 1840s. There have been Irish and Scots-Irish immigration to this nation since colonial times-the Scots-Irish, being Protestant, had an easier time of things; many settled in the highlands of North Carolina. (Andrew Jackson's family came from Ireland; there are some that claim he was born aboard ship and not on US soil.)

Digging of canals was one main attraction of many Irish who came here, my Irish ancestors included. Although they were hard workers, Irish people had a reputation for drinking and fighting and telling blarney that was so ingrained that the "comic Irishman" were a staple of the vaudeville stage until World War I.

The Catholic Irishmen had a tougher time of things because of their faith (except for Maryland, which was settled by Catholics). It is true that ads in big city newspapers often said "No Irish Need Apply". It is also true that many Irish, once they were settled here, moved west to have farms. During the Civil War, the celebrated Irish Brigade was renowned for its bravery in battle.

Interestingly enough, Irish people tended to keep their identity long after they had established roots in this country. My great-great-great grandfather came to this country from the Auld Sod in 1820, but his grandchildren were still calling themselves "Irish" on marriage licenses and other official documents. To this day, the Census Bureau says they believe a higher number of people claim Irish heritage than really do. An interesting sidelight to the heritage of Irish immigrants.

Answer 2

If you were to look at the different cultures as the rungs of a ladder, the Irish were just above the African Americans. When they came to America they took jobs as servants and were forbidden to enter certain places or apply to certain jobs. There's a great book (I don't remember the author) but I think the title is something like, The day the Irish became white. There was also a cartoonist that depicted the Irish as savages and the pictures showed the Irish w/ gorilla-like faces.

Answer 3

When Irish immigrated to America, they were treated very badly. People were afraid that they were against our American policies, and ways of life..... They were treated much like, if not exactly like, blacks in those days.

Answer 4

in many ways the irish were treated worse than the slaves here in america because plantation owners needed the slaves to do work but the irish were hardly any use to them.

Answer 5

Some places had signs that no blacks or Irish were allowed in their place of business. The English hated the Irish and so did many American settlers. They feared the Catholic menace.

Answer 6

not very well