HIS 5141 Irish American Experience
The course will chronologically examine the Irish American experience from its beginnings to the present day. Starting with earlier Irish home conditions the course will look at push/pull factors and conditions in Ireland and the colonies that led to the earliest migration to America in the 17th century. Significant attention will be paid to those Ulster Irish (Scotch Irish) who came in large numbers and who had great impact on 18th century US development and beyond. The seminal experience of Irish emigration in the 19th century will be explored in great detail with discussion of crucial push/pull factors as well. The significance of The Great Hunger and the resultant impact on US history and the transformation of urban life will be explored as a central event of the Irish experience. Later Irish involvement in the economic, political and religious life of the nation will be explored as well as the somewhat later migration of Irish women. Issues regarding Nativism and Irish involvement with nationalistic movements will be investigated and discussed. With the beginning of the 20th century investigation will focus on Irish occupations and the upward mobility of new generations, including a class discussion revolving around the election of President Kennedy. Finally, the course will conclude with a examination of post World War II Irish immigrants and US/Ireland relationships.