In the time period between the 1840s and 1920s, there was a tremendous influx of Italian immigrants into the United States of America. In 1870, Italy underwent unification that resulted in governmental redistribution of lands that inevitably hurt farmers who did not necessarily wind up with any land of their own on which they could produce crops. Especially in the south of Italy, where disease of both human and crops adversely contributed to affect the population density, thousands were forced to exit their homeland and try to secure better opportunities in other countries. While many Italians settled in the United States, others moved to South America, Africa and others settled elsewhere around the globe.
The period between the World Wars was also periods of heavy emigration from Italy. The post-World War I era brought economic hardships to most of Europe, but the Italians also had to face the rise of fascism in this time period as well. Italians wanted to seek opportunities elsewhere as Italy’s future did not seem to hold any promise.
In the United States, Italian immigrants settled in clusters, as most cultures tended to when they arrived on American shores. These Italian communities were often referred to as “Little Italy’s” and citizens were fiercely proud of the customs, foods and language they brought with them. Within these communities were Italians from different regions of Italy, so the dialects were different, and the foods and customs were different. Yet, they co-existed and blended to develop the Italian-American traditions many of us enjoy today. They were hard-working people; most were unskilled or basic tradesmen who made an indelible mark in the history of the U.S.
Today’s Italian immigrants are coming to the United States for much the same reasons as their predecessors. The Italian economy suffered dramatically with the transition to the Euro, and the government is not functioning as well as they hoped. However, unlike their predecessors, the young Italians coming to the States today are not unskilled laborers, but rather those who seek higher education, better job opportunities and personal economic growth. Some with the expectation that they will learn and return to Italy inspired and ready for a better life in their home country, and some choose to stay and blaze new trails in the U.S.
To experience the authentic flavor of Northern Italy, make a reservation at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, fine dining Orlando. Savor the succulent essence of traditional cuisine prepared with freshest and finest ingredients, prepared by our highly skilled chefs and served in a beautifully appointed dining room by a superbly trained staff. Buon Apettito!
