Introduction
Swedish and Irish immigrants faced different challenges when they arrived in
America, but they both contributed significantly to America’s growth and
development. Here are some of the ways they adapted to life in America,
based on the search results:
SWEDISH IMMIGRATION:
• Swedish immigrants were part of the general westward movement in
American history often relies on the removal of American Indians[2].
• Swedish immigrants settled over a wide range of areas. Because they
were drawn mostly to cities rather than tight-knit rural settlements,
they were immersed immediately in American culture[5].
• Swedish immigrants quickly adapted to American life in outward, visible
ways by changing their attire and diet[5].
• Most Swedish immigrants learned some English as was necessary for
employment and their children were instructed in the language[4].
• Swedish immigrants were generally well-accepted by mainstream
America and tended to blend in easily with their neighbors, especially in
the Midwest[5].
IRISH IMMIGRATION:
• The Irish often suffered blatant or subtle job discrimination.
Furthermore, some businesses took advantage of Irish immigrants
willingness to work at unskilled jobs for low pay[1].
• The large number of new arrivals strained the cities’ resources, and
many unskilled workers feared being put out of work by Irish
immigrants willing to work for less than the going rate[1].
• The Irish also faced religious prejudice, as almost all of them were
Catholic[1].
• Despite the challenges, the Irish immigrants contributed significantly to
America’s growth and development. They built railroads and bridges,
dug canals and tunnels, went into mines, and tended[1].• Over time, many Irish Americans climbed occupational and social
ladders through politically appointed positions such as policeman,
fireman, and teacher[1].
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Swedish and Irish immigrants faced different challenges when
arriving in America, but they contributed significantly to America’s
growth and development. Swedish immigrants were generally well accepted
by mainstream America and tended to blend in easily with their neighbors,
especially in the Midwest. On the other hand, Irish immigrants faced job
discrimination and religious prejudice and were excluded from American society.
Despite the challenges, both groups adapted to life in America in various
ways and contributed significantly to the country’s growth and development.
Reference:
1.https://academic.oup.com/ereh/article/27/1/24/6644609
2.https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/swensonexhibits_permanentexhibit/
3.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_emigration_to_the_United_States
4.https://www.mnopedia.org/swedish-immigration-minnesota
5.https://www.everyculture.com/multi/Sr-Z/Swedish-Americans.html
6.https://www.kshs.org/p/the-swedish-immigrant-and-life-in-kansas/13165
Further readings
1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_emigration_to_the_United_States
2.https://www.crf-usa.org/bill-of-rights-in-action/bria-26-2-the-potato-famine-and-irish-immigration-to-america.html
3.https://www.mnopedia.org/swedish-immigration-minnesota
4.https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/irish/joining-the-workforce/
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