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The First Irish
Our first Irish were trying to escape the English Protestant church. They were Catholic and "had to conform." Very few escaped because later there was a law put in place that made leaving the country impossible. About half a million came at this time. -
Religion
The first reason why the Irish came was to escape from being forced to be Protestant. So, many Catholics today have Irish descent. People kept up with the Vatican and went through changes. They spread the religion to be 3.1 million people by 1860. Now, St. Partick's day is a recognized observed holiday in America. The first parade was March 17, 1762 -
American War
Many Irish-Americans fought to gain American Independence from Britain as they felt the same pressure in their home country. About one million people were irish or of decent. -
The Potatoe Famine
in 1845 the blight takes over the crops in Ireland. A disease destroyed the potatoes root making it inedible. The Irish diet had a big portion of potatoes and as a source of money. Most of the population stayed in the Manhatten, New England area. Then they moved more to Wisconsin and few in California. -
Discrimination
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvtKolUaMO4 Many were refused jobs and were treated poorly due to their Catholic roots. -
Politics
The Irish have always been part of America's political affairs. Irish descendants signed the Declaration of Independence and due to the improper job opportunities, many joined unions. Like Mary Harris. Our government has maybe officials with Irish descent such as Mike Pence our Vice President. -
Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ppdB6JX99Q The Irish brought Celtic music and bagpipes full of life. There are quite a few different civil war songs with an Irish background and the song Danny Boy there we hear a lot at school is traditional Irish.
