Irish influence
IMMIGRATION
SUMMARY: Irish immigrants have been coming to the United States during colonial times. In the 1840s, they comprised nearly half of all immigrants in this nation. In most instances, Irish immigrants entered the workforce at the bottom of the occupational ladder and often took the dangerous jobs that were avoided by other workers. As immigrants moved inland to urban, eastern cities, they found themselves in heated competition for jobs. The Irish also suffered flagrant job discrimination. Over generations, many Irish climbed the occupational and social ladders to politically appointed positions such as: policemen, firemen, teachers. Second and third generation Irish had opportunities to be better educated, and therefore wealthier than their parents and grandparents. The Kennedy family illustrated the idea of upward mobility as Irish immigrants. In 1848, the first Kennedy arrived in the United States from Ireland, and worked as a laborer. The 2nd generation Kennedy had modest success in the United States. However, Joseph P. Kennedy (3rd generation) was college educated and made a fortune throughout his career. This enabled his grandsons, one of which was president John F. Kennedy, to achieve great political success.
ANALYSIS: In addition to making up a large portion of the American demographic, many Irish immigrants have demonstrated upward mobility in society, like the Kennedy family. Many of the 1st generation Irish immigrants accounted for the American working class, allowing the United States economy to be especially prosperous during the industrial revolution. Many stories of Irish immigrants climbing the social ladder through hard work, has molded the idea of the “American dream”. This was the perceived notion that American freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and a upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in society. Therefore, Irish families have demonstrated economic and social upward mobility over generations, which has rendered positive effects on the U.S. economy. This has also positively impacted American society to reflect the perceived idea that America is the “land of opportunity”, a principle that is still advocated today.
ANALYSIS: In addition to making up a large portion of the American demographic, many Irish immigrants have demonstrated upward mobility in society, like the Kennedy family. Many of the 1st generation Irish immigrants accounted for the American working class, allowing the United States economy to be especially prosperous during the industrial revolution. Many stories of Irish immigrants climbing the social ladder through hard work, has molded the idea of the “American dream”. This was the perceived notion that American freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and a upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in society. Therefore, Irish families have demonstrated economic and social upward mobility over generations, which has rendered positive effects on the U.S. economy. This has also positively impacted American society to reflect the perceived idea that America is the “land of opportunity”, a principle that is still advocated today.