Ellis Island, a small island in New York harbor, was the immigration center for many immigrants passing through to America. Over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island from 1854 to 1954. One of the biggest groups to enter the United States was the Italians. Brave Italian immigrants traveled through Ellis Island to start their new life in America because of economic hardship and religious, race and political persecution.
Italians living in Southern Italy traveled to America because of extreme poverty. Life in Southern Italy was difficult for landless peasants and it also brought hardship, exploitation and violence. The farmers lived in harsh conditions, living in one bedroom houses with no plumbing or electricity.
Italians living in Southern Italy traveled to America because of extreme poverty. Life in Southern Italy was difficult for landless peasants and it also brought hardship, exploitation and violence. The farmers lived in harsh conditions, living in one bedroom houses with no plumbing or electricity.