Irish, German, and British Immigrants Essay Example

Irish, German, and British Immigrants Paper Chris Vaughan APUSH Mr. Osborn 11/12/11 Irish, German, and British Settlers Within the period of 1830 to 1860, the experiences of immigrants from Ireland, Britain, and Germany held many similarities in their motivations for migration, with numerous differences found in their interactions with American society, and their respective associations with the economy of the United States of America. This time period signified the largest migration of nationalities in the history of the United States, with its results still being noticeable today. There are immediate similarities that are drawn from the motivation of Irish, British, and German immigrants within the period of 1830 to 1860. The first similarities are found when comparing the earlier group of Irish migrants, to those of some of the minor sections of British and German immigrants. Within the 1830s, those who came from Ireland had resources and skills that they desired to bring to America, or more specifically its world-renowned port cities, in order to better their economic well-being. Many German and British immigrants, such as those who were artisans, merchants, and professionals, also went to the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Boston. Further similarities are seen when comparing the Irish settlers after the potato famine of the 1840s, to those immigrants from Britain and Germany who were focused on agriculture. The most obvious similarity that can be derived from this situation is that all three of the groups are being influenced by geography. While the Irish were forced to leave their country to survive, the Germans and British were attracted to prospective lands in the Old Northwest, and Texas. We will write a custom essay sample on Irish, German, and British Immigrants specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Irish, German, and British Immigrants specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Irish, German, and British Immigrants specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The final conceptual similarity found for the motivations of these three nationalities’ exoduses to North America is displayed in their role, or lack there of, in their original countries economies. During the 1840s, the Irish immigrants were mainly comprised of the less skillful members of society. They were poor, in search of a better life. Similarly, the Germans who migrated, depending on their trade, also wished to improve their economic status. Finally, the British, who originally occupied the New England textile mills, migrated due to economic fluctuations. Although their economic motivations for migration may have been similar, the association that each of these groups had with the American Economy had many differences, specific to each of their group’s situations. As the Irish were seen as America’s first refugee population, they were, for the most part, discriminated against in their quest for employment. As a result, they were confined to work in the port cities of New York, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Charleston, responsible mostly for canals, harbors, and textile mills. In contrast, the English and German were able to migrate based on their individual needs. If a German or British immigrant were skilled workers, professionals, merchants, or artisans, they would be able to find work in the port cities. However, if they were more agriculturally focused, they would also find opportunity in the West, allowing for more economic freedom. The Germans did, however, find economic similarities with the Irish, in that they lacked in influence for the American economy and political system. The British found this economic good fortune because they were seen as economic assets, which also influenced their social interactions with Americans. Like their economic impacts, the social interactions of the Irish, German, and British settlers also had many differences. As the British were seen as economic assets, they were met with little hostility in their associations with Americans. In addition to this socio-economic connection, the Americans also saw the British as tangible representations of the roots of American culture. Since they had gained their independence from Britain, the current citizens saw the immigrants almost as authentic pre-revolutionary portrayals of America. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the newly entering Irish and Germans had to assimilate themselves into American culture. The Irish were met with much hostility, as they had to compete with current unemployed free blacks, and were seen as freeloading off American soil. The Irish thus had to work to bring their culture in, through the creation of churches, and schools. The Germans became more self reliant, creating their own societies. Their innovations, including educational and religious institutions, along with newspapers and beer gardens, survived through the ages. When the British attempted to do the same, they would die out gradually, displaying their reliance on American society. The experiences of Irish, German, and British immigrants can be easily compared in their motivations for moving their nationalities, and clearly contrasted in their economic and social associations with the United States of America. Their migration, whether through their innovations, their sufferings, or their successes, still influences American life as it is today. America is now known as a melting pot of different nationalities, which can for the most part be credited to the Irish, British, and Germanic migrations of 1830 to 1860.