Italy immigration timeline

  • The Great Neapolitan Earthquake

    devastation in the Basilicata region of Italy killing over 30,000 people and resulting in the loss of homes. Italians started to look toward the United States for a safer and more stable future.
  • Italy declared war on the Austrian Government

    By 1870, over 25,000 Italians had immigrated to the United States. At least one-third made their home in New York City and the district became known as "Little Italy".
  • Period: to

    major wave of immigration

    between 1890 and 1910 many people were fleeing due to the political stance of the Catholic Church and fear of the government causing them to move to america or south america.
  • The Oriental Exclusion Act

    This act caused an increase in Italian agricultural labor.
  • The Great Famines of the 1840's

    this caused a major wave of immigration to the United States. The anti-catholic wanted to limit or end the influence of Catholic immigrants.
  • The panic of 1893

    This panic caused a four-year depression period of economics, high unemployment rates, and against migrants. many people fled.
  • Mount Vesuvius

    This volcano erupted near Naples, killing nearly 1,000 people and destroying homes. Many Italians moved to the U.S as refugees.
  • WW1

    During WW1 immigration percents dropped severely as people stopped moving to fight for the allies.
  • The Immigration Act of 1924

    Immigration was restricted.
  • World War 2 breaks out

    WW2 started and Italy defets Albania and Mussolini, sides with Hitler and Fascist Germany against the allies leading to anti-Italian sentiments in the US