Southern Italian Immigrants Research Paper

There were many factors that lead to the emigration of Italians to America in the 1800’s and 1900’s. The Italians in Southern Italy were the ones who suffered the most. Southern Italy was under the control of Spanish Monarchy, and kings left them living in poverty. In fact, 85% of Italian immigrants came from South of Naples down to Sicily. Garibaldi’s victory unfortunately did not produce the outcome Southern Italians were looking for. They were soon invaded by Northern Italy, and by that time, most southern peasants could not provide for their families. Most of their meager wages went to pay for the high taxes enforced by the North. By this time, Southern Italian’s had turned away from outsiders, and invested everything they had in family.
By 1870, the economic conditions in the South of Italy became too much, causing peasants to flee Italy and look for work in America. After the first Italian immigrants entered America, they began by working on plantations, due to the abolishment of slavery. Italian immigrants were often associated with secrecy, and often called ‘hot tempered Italian bandits.’ The press highly publicized Italian American crime, and that began the war against Italian American Immigrants; no matter their involvement in crime. The mafia and organized crime was often thought to be inherent dispositions that Italian Americans possessed. Americans believed that Italians brought their criminal traditions with them to America. Due to this turmoil, the Italians only looked at America as an area of transition. Their plan was to make wealth in America, and go back to their families in Italy. Unfortunately, for these immigrants, working in America came at a high price. Italians were often exposed to dangerous work conditions. They worked hard jobs, and were exploited because they were desperate for work. The Italian Americans were at the bottom of the labor hierarchy; leaving them with lower wages, dismal living conditions, and crowded boarding houses and railroad cars. The Italians worked through these hard times, and the opportunity for a better life for their families was worth the risk for them. In time, they sent for their families from Italy to New York City. They recreated Southern Italy in New York’s Little Italy. They were cut off from society, by choice; that is all they have ever known. With their country’s history, it is no wonder why they don’t trust anyone outside their own culture. In due time, Italian Americans learned to trust outside of their own, and their economic status improved. They were proud to be labeled Italian Americans.