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The Great Italian Migration: A Journey Through History

Vita Calabra Tours: Preserving Memory, Rebuilding Identity

At Vita Calabra Tours, our mission extends beyond offering ancestral tours, we are dedicated to raising awareness about the history of Italian migration between the 19th and 20th centuries. Our goal is to help descendants of Italian emigrants reconnect with their roots, understand the struggles of their ancestors, and rediscover the identity and heritage that shaped their family’s past.

Through our carefully curated tours, we bring you closer to the land your ancestors left behind, providing you with the opportunity to walk the same streets, see the same landscapes, and experience the same traditions that once defined their lives.

The Italian Migration Between 1861 and 1985

Between 1861 and 1985, nearly 30 million Italians left their homeland in search of a better future. To put this into perspective, this number was equivalent to the entire Italian population at the beginning of the 20th century.

But when exactly did this mass migration take place? Let’s explore its timeline and key factors.

A crowded port scene from the early 20th century, with hundreds of immigrants arriving on a large passenger ship, carrying hopes of a new life in a foreign land.

black and white photo showing a little immigrant family on the dock at Ellis Island, N.Y.

Bettmann
(Original Caption) 8/13/1925-New York, NY: Above is a striking photo showing a little immigrant family on the dock at Ellis Island, N.Y., just having passed the rigid examination for entry into the “land of promise” looking hopefully at New York’s skyline while awaiting the government ferry to carry them on to the land of the free.

The Great Migration (1876–1915)

Between 1876 and 1915, approximately 14 million Italians emigrated. This era is known as the Great Migration, a pivotal period in Italian history.

Where Were They Going?

  • One-third of these emigrants aimed for North America, particularly the United States, which was experiencing a labor shortage.
  • South America also became a popular destination, with many settling in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
  • Other European countries saw an influx of Italian workers seeking employment in industrialized regions.

    • Who Were the Emigrants?

  • Most were impoverished laborers, small landowners, and farmers.
  • The migration was typically temporary, with many men traveling alone in hopes of returning once they had earned enough money.
  • The only exception was migration to Brazil, where entire families from Veneto and Southern Italy relocated permanently.
    • A historical migration map illustrating Italian emigration routes from the 19th and 20th centuries (1800–1999), showing connections from Italy to North America, South America, and Australia.

    The Origins of Migration: Where Did They Come From?

    Approximately 70% of Italian emigrants originated from Southern Italy, but large numbers also came from Northern regions like Friuli Venezia Giulia and Piedmont.

    Why Did They Leave?

    Multiple economic and social factors contributed to this mass departure:

  • Agricultural Crisis: The collapse of small farming economies left many without a livelihood.
  • Economic Depression: Increased poverty and a lack of opportunities forced people to look abroad for work.
  • Competition from Foreign Markets: The influx of cheap American grain devastated Italian agricultural prices.
  • High Taxes: The newly unified Italian state imposed heavy fiscal pressures.
  • Growing Unemployment: Industrialization was slow to reach rural Italy, leaving many jobless.
    • “

    “Poverty and hunger pushed thousands to seek a better future elsewhere.”

    The Journey: A Risky Voyage Across the Ocean

    Emigrants typically departed from the major Italian ports of Genoa and Naples.



    Elenco Puntato Annidato

    The Harrowing Sea Voyage

    • The journey to North and South America took about a month.
    • Conditions on the ships were extremely poor, especially for those in third class:
      • One toilet per 100 passengers
      • Overcrowded sleeping areas with straw mattresses
      • Unsanitary conditions leading to illness and death
    • Many died before arriving at their destination due to disease and malnutrition.
    An Italian immigrant woman stands with her three children in front of steamer trunks at the Ellis Island processing center, New York City

    The Arrival: Ellis Island & Beyond

    Upon reaching the United States, most Italian immigrants were processed at Ellis Island, where they underwent three days of medical and psychological examinations.

  • Those who failed the inspections were marked with an X on their clothing and deported back to Italy.
  • On official documents, Italian immigrants were often labeled “White?” a symbol of the racial discrimination they faced in America.

    • Facing Discrimination

    The journey was not just about physical displacement, immigrants also suffered from prejudice and social rejection:

    “On December 18, 1880, the New York Times published an article titled ‘Undesirable Emigrants,’ describing Italian immigrants as promiscuous, dirty, lazy, and criminal.”

    “In 1924, Henry Fairfield Osborn, the president of the American Museum of Natural History, stated: ‘These immigrants are turning the United States into a dumping ground for undesirable citizens.’”

    .Despite these hardships, Italian immigrants persevered, working tirelessly to establish communities and integrate into their new countries.

    A historic aerial view of Ellis Island in New York Harbor, with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
    A group of Italian immigrants waiting for inspection at Ellis Island in the early 20th century.
    A medical inspection at Ellis Island in the early 20th century. A doctor examines a young immigrant boy’s throat while two other children wait in line, highlighting the rigorous health checks before entry into the United States.

    The Legacy of Italian Migration

    Today, millions of people worldwide have Italian ancestry, with deep cultural ties to the traditions, cuisine, and heritage of their forebears. The sacrifices of Italian immigrants paved the way for future generations, shaping the cultural and economic landscapes of their adopted countries.

    Reconnect with Your Roots with Vita Calabra Tours

    An emotional reunion between two men in a small Italian village, capturing the essence of rediscovering family connections and shared history.
      Understanding your ancestors’ journey is more than just history it’s a way to reconnect with your identity. At Vita Calabra Tours, we help you:

    • ✅ Trace your family’s origins through expert genealogical research.
    • ✅ Explore your ancestral village with personalized guided tours.
    • ✅ Experience the traditions and lifestyle of your forebears.
    • ✅ Visit historical landmarks related to Italian emigration.

    Are you ready to uncover your Italian heritage?

    📩 Contact us today and start your journey back to your roots!

    Contact us today!
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