Abstract
This Independent Study examines the experiences of Italian and Jewish immigrants in America from 1870-1920. The first chapter specifically focuses on what the actual process of immigration was like before, during, and after arrival to Ellis Island. The second chapter examines American prejudice and praise towards these immigrants, as well as their various levels of assimilation or rejection of such. Lastly, the third chapter investigates living and working conditions in New York, through describing the development of tenements, and Italian women’s concept of “homework.” Overall, this study found the role of gender to play a unique role throughout, and Italian women to be responsible for the subsistence of their family.
Advisor
Biro-Walters, Jordan
Department
History
Recommended Citation
Castrignano, David, "Living the American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants: A Study of Italians and Jews from 1870-1920" (2016). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 7314.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/7314
Disciplines
Education
Keywords
Italian, Jewish, immigration
Publication Date
2016
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2016 David Castrignano