determine if the Irish colonized or if it immigrated to the United States. Did the Irish face prejudice, segregation, racism, or any combination of the three? If so, how and why?
http://www.google.com/search?q=irish+immigration+to+the+united+states&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&client=firefox-a&rlz=1R1GGLL_en___US379
Definitely no colonization!
Read widely and take good notes.
so they immigrated?
Yes ... and faced prejudice, etc.
Read several of the websites in those search results.
so they faced segregation,prejudice, and racism?
To determine if the Irish colonized or immigrated to the United States, we need to look at historical records and events.
The Irish primarily immigrated to the United States rather than colonizing it. Colonization typically refers to the establishment of permanent settlements by a group in a new territory. While there were Irish settlements in colonial America, these were not widespread or significant enough to be considered colonization.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ireland experienced a period of economic hardship, political unrest, and famine, particularly the Great Famine of the 1840s. These conditions led to mass emigration, with millions of Irish people leaving their homeland in search of better opportunities, particularly in the United States. This immigration was largely driven by economic factors, as well as seeking relief from political and social issues.
Regarding prejudice, segregation, and racism, the Irish did face significant discrimination upon their arrival in the United States. They were among the so-called "white ethnic" groups that experienced discrimination in different forms.
Initially, they faced prejudice from the established Protestant Anglo-American majority, who viewed the Irish as racially and culturally inferior due to their Catholicism and perceived differences in language, customs, and appearance. This prejudice was largely rooted in religious and cultural animosity.
The Irish also faced economic discrimination. They were often employed in low-paying and dangerous jobs, such as construction, mining, and factory work. This economic vulnerability made them easy targets for exploitation.
However, it is important to note that over time, as the Irish community in America grew larger and more established, they managed to overcome some of these prejudices and integrate into broader society. They improved their socioeconomic status, gained political influence, and became less marginalized.
In summary, the Irish primarily immigrated to the United States rather than colonizing it. They faced prejudice, segregation, and racism upon arrival, largely due to their Catholic religion, cultural differences, and economic circumstances. Over time, the Irish community managed to overcome some of these challenges and integrate into American society.