Immigration in The 19th Century

From the 1830s to the 1850s nearly 4 million people migrated from Europe to seek better lives in the United States.  The experiences of German and Irish immigrants, who accounted for most of the new arrivals to America, had some similarities but were dominated by differences socially, politically, and economically.  

For the most part the Germans and Irish had a very tough time fitting in among other Americans.  Citizens who feared the Irish and Germans taking their jobs viewed the new immigrants as a menace to society.  The especially hated Irish were discriminated against with signs at factories that stated “NINA” for No Irish Need Apply.  Unlike the Irish, the Germans, who came in significantly less numbers, were generally better off and able to settle in more isolated German areas rather than places the Irish were stuck like New York.  Another reason Irish were viewed as a menace was because of the fact that they were Roman Catholics and the majority or people where they settled were Protestants and because of their social behaviors like drinking.  Another social difference between the Germans and the Irish was the contributions Germans brought to society like Christmas trees, the Conestoga wagon, and the Kentucky rifle.  Although the Irish and Germans were both socially disliked the Irish received the brunt of the hatred. 

            German and Irish immigrants played a significant political role in the United States as well.  Politicians saw the new immigrants as a goldmine of votes.  Most Irish and Germans leaned toward the Democratic Party whom usually favored the common workingman.  Politicians worked shamelessly to gain the support of the new immigrants.  The immigrants did have their own separate effects on politics as well.  The Irish gradually took over political powers like Tammany Hall and local police departments.  Politics were also a reason many Germans moved to the US.  Germans came to the new world as failed politicians or after failed revolutions.  

  The Germans be came relentless enemies of slavery and stern supporters of schools and the stimulation of music and arts.

            German and Irish immigrants were usually quite different economically speaking.  Members of both groups migrated to the United States due to economic troubles.  However, Irish were commonly poorer and many Germans came to the states for other reasons with more money.  While Irish often found themselves competing with slaves for jobs, the Germans usually had more applicable skills allowing them to find decent work.  Germans also had the means to push further westward and put their farming skills to work.  Eventually the Irish and Germans began to even our economically with the Nativists. 

            Overall the experiences of German and Irish immigrants to America had similarities but their many differences distorted their connections.  Socially and economically the Irish had things tougher than the Germans.  Politically both sides had much to contribute to society.