OLD IMMIGRANTSOld immigrants came to America during the 1840's they were usually Irish and German. They usually gotten into politics, and opened their own shops. They were very hypocritical and hostile to new immigrants. They were mostly Protestants, literate, and skill full in many professions. They came to America with families and money, or were born in the country with a successful family background. They were also very experienced with democracy. They felt that the new immigrants wouldn't be able to adapt to the native American culture. Protestant's disliked the idea that many of the new immigrants were Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Jewish. They also worried that the eastern and southern Europeans would take over the pure American race.
|
In the political cartoon to the left, the artist is stressing how negatively the native born citizens looked at Irish immigration. As immigration increased the population of Catholics increased as well because the majority of Irish and Italians were Catholic. In the cartoon, what seems to be alligators are actually Catholic Popes symbolizing all of the Irish, invading America and destroying society and Christianity.
|