Why did the Irish come to the USA? - Info sheet

Many groups of people have emigrated to the USA over the years, including a significant number of Irish immigrants. The Irish sought a new life in America for various reasons, with the pursuit of religious freedom being a primary factor, especially for Catholic Irish. Initially, some found a haven in Pennsylvania, while others made their homes in southern states like North Carolina. Advancements in technology, such as the introduction of steamships in the early 1800s, facilitated faster transatlantic travel, making the journey to America more accessible.

The Irish emigration to the USA dramatically increased during the mid-19th century due to the Great Potato Famine that struck Ireland between 1845 and 1849. This catastrophic event, caused by potato blight, led to widespread crop failure, starvation, and homelessness. Approximately one million Irish people perished, and many others, desperate to survive, saved money for passage to America, seeking employment, sustenance, and a new beginning. Unlike earlier migrations that consisted mainly of single men, the famine prompted entire families to leave Ireland. The exodus was so extensive that even after the famine ended, the Irish population continued to decline, with the population of New York City eventually surpassing that of some of Ireland's largest cities. Irish immigrants not only reshaped the demographic landscape of the United States but also contributed significantly to its cultural and economic development.