Italian Immagrants Essay, Research Paper

Italian Immigrants

In the1920 s the United States of America welcomed thousands of immigrants every day. They came to the United States looking for opportunity and a better life. From 1920 to1930, 4,652,115 people immigrated to the United States. 5550,460 of these were Italian.

Italians like other immigrants faced many hardships when they arrived in the U.S. Most hardships were caused by racisms and naturism. Americans were not used to the immigrants and thought less of them. Italians were also blamed for many of the nations problems. The government raided many of the immigrant s homes because the feared they were communist.

The Sacco and Venzetti trial proves the blame the Americans put on immigrants. There was no substantial evidence in the case. They were still convicted because they were immigrants and there were prejudices against them and their beliefs.

At first people didn t realize the art and culture that Italian immigrants brought with them. I think that if people weren t scared of the new culture coming they would of learned from them. The Immigrants brought with them things that we now experience every day. Enrique Caruso was opera tenor who was one of the first musicians to commercialize Italian operas in America. The Italian Immigrants also brought their love of food with them. This leaves us today with many foods that are common to people who don t realize they didn t exist in this country until the Italian immigrants brought them. Food such as pizza, pasta, cheeses, and cold cuts are on Americans diets because of the immigrants.

Paranoia struck the government in 1941. In the months immediately following Pearl Harbor. About 250 Italian Americans were interned. They were considered by the U.S. government to be security risks. By June 1942, the FBI interned 1,521 Italian Americans. They were sent to interment camps in Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Most were released shortly after the detention but the effects were hard on them and their families. Fort Missoula, Montana was one the largest interment camp. It was originally for Italian Merchant Marines who had been arrested in port, but it would eventually hold every one from mayors to movie stars. The interned aliens were given trials before boards of military officers and citizens. Aliens were not informed of the charges against them.