In many Eastern countries, strict laws formerly prevented people from being able to live the wonderful, fulfilling lives they sought. Citizens strongly desired the freedom to practice any religion of their choice, to speak freely without restriction or unethical consequence, and to have a say in certain decisions the government could make. What better place would offer these things than the New World’s very own United States of America? During the later years of the eighteenth century to the early 20th century, the population of the United States was increasing rapidly; numerous immigrants were entering the country with hopes that they might finally satisfy their longing for freedom.
In the 1840-50s, the people of Ireland began sailing to America in greater amounts than they had in previous years (Goldstein 5). During this time period, roughly a million Irish immigrants journeyed to the country (Goldstein 5), abandoning all they had ever known in pursuit of better lives for themselves and their families.
Back in Ireland, a severe plant disease had ruined the country’s …show more content…
On the ships in which they sailed, most immigrants’ accommodations were those of the poor; they dwelled within the steerage, which was the lower deck area of the ship meant for storage (Levine 24). Moreover, the steerage was filthy and the food unsavory (Levine 25). Nevertheless, it was necessary for the immigrants to endure these terrible conditions for the great reward that awaited them in America: a better life. Most of the ships carrying the immigrants were heading for Ellis Island (Levine 10), an inspection center where doctors would examine each emigrant and decide whether or not they were healthy enough to enter the country at long last. If not at Ellis Island, the immigrants would enter at another US port in a city such as Baltimore or San Francisco (Levine
In the 1840-50s, the people of Ireland began sailing to America in greater amounts than they had in previous years (Goldstein 5). During this time period, roughly a million Irish immigrants journeyed to the country (Goldstein 5), abandoning all they had ever known in pursuit of better lives for themselves and their families.
Back in Ireland, a severe plant disease had ruined the country’s …show more content…
On the ships in which they sailed, most immigrants’ accommodations were those of the poor; they dwelled within the steerage, which was the lower deck area of the ship meant for storage (Levine 24). Moreover, the steerage was filthy and the food unsavory (Levine 25). Nevertheless, it was necessary for the immigrants to endure these terrible conditions for the great reward that awaited them in America: a better life. Most of the ships carrying the immigrants were heading for Ellis Island (Levine 10), an inspection center where doctors would examine each emigrant and decide whether or not they were healthy enough to enter the country at long last. If not at Ellis Island, the immigrants would enter at another US port in a city such as Baltimore or San Francisco (Levine