Thus, the Irish emigration to America was based on a growing population, the inability of the land to feed people, and resulted in religious conflicts in American territory. The majority of Irish immigrants were Catholics, and the Irish were willing to work for below-average wages, which worsened working conditions, resulting in constant controversy (Ruist, 2021). This historical event is vital in understanding the formation of American identity and the events that led to it. This topic turned out to be meaningful and exciting since the study of stories related to emigration and the formation of national identity contributes to understanding one’s roots and preventing new historical mistakes.
Looking at the past events through the prism of a historian allows the researcher to analyze cause-and-effect relationships critically and objectively. In logical historical thinking, which includes such intellectual operations as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, and analogy, the essential properties and relationships of historical phenomena are modeled, expressed in concepts, judgments, and conclusions. Such historical thinking is purposeful-rational; it is always concrete and theoretical to comprehend the course of historical events, their causes, and consequences. A historical look at Irish emigration allows the researcher to accurately analyze the difficulties of emigrant life and the possible discrimination that emigrants face. First, seeing American history through a historical lens without subjectivity is essential to avoid emotionally justifying the behavior of one’s ancestors. Secondly, studying specific historical facts, such as the burning of the Catholic Church of St. Mary in New York in 1932, is necessary. It allows to prove the persistence of the consequences of events until the first third of the 20th century. Finally, the historical prism allows the researcher to analyze the negative impacts of discrimination against emigrants to avoid the repetition of history in modern times.
Continued research into the effects of Irish emigration to America may explore more far-reaching implications. The causes of Irish emigration to America are reasonably clear, so we need to focus more on the consequences. Future research can be done on modern families of Irish origin, their social position, and the degree of integration into the American community. In addition, more evidence of religious conflicts between natives and emigrants can be considered. Since the last events considered concern 1931, 200 years after the first wave of emigration, it is obvious that evidence of religious hostility may still be present today. A study of the family histories of Irish emigrants will provide valuable evidence of hatred on the grounds of religion or other reasons. Such research will contribute to constructing a modern society that is alien to any form of discrimination. The study of the situation of the Irish will allow the development of strategies to improve the condition of all emigrants in America.
Modern American society is not sufficiently aware of the problem of Irish emigrants in America. Despite the current course to reduce discrimination, it can still be present in society. Studying such historical events is vital to substantiate the negative consequences of religious hostility and discrimination based on ethnicity. If today’s society is to build a world free of discrimination, it must raise people’s awareness of such historical events. It is necessary to form a public awareness that a foreign culture does not blur the boundaries of national identity but, on the contrary, makes the culture multinational and rich.
References
Ruist, J. (2021). Causes and consequences of global migration. Anthem Press.