What did Italians do in America?
This is Silvia, an Italian immigrant who came to America in 1907! Before we learn about the role of Italian Americans during World War I and World War 2, let's look a little bit at the daily life of Italian immigrants. There was a lot of uncertainty when Italian immigrants came to America - they often came with very little money, usually could not speak any English, and did not know what to expect from life and work in their new country. There was also a lot of discrimination against Italian Americans in America.
Now, let's hear from Silvia. Silvia is just learning English, so follow along while she speaks in an Italian accent! How do you think Silvia is learning to speak English and do you think it is easy for her to find work and make friends in America?
Now, let's hear from Silvia. Silvia is just learning English, so follow along while she speaks in an Italian accent! How do you think Silvia is learning to speak English and do you think it is easy for her to find work and make friends in America?
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Hello everybody! My name is Silvia and I am an Italian American, or as we say in Italy, An Italoamericano. It is the year 1907 and I have just come to America from Sicily. I live in a community known as Little Italy in New York City. My husband Giseppe works on the construction of roads and I am a seamstress. For fun, our communities have "festas" in the United States, which are big religious festivals and parties to promote unity and preserve Italian culture in America. We are nervous and excited for our new life in America! |
To stick together and to preserve their culture, Italian Americans lived and gathered in ethnic and cultural enclaves called "Little Italies." Little Italies were communities of Italian Americans in America. They were usually in cities, because that is where most Italian immigrants lived when they first moved here. There was a Little Italy in Boston's North End, several Little Italies in New York City, and many others in different cities all over the United States. A lot of the Little Italies that were formed when the Italians first immigrated to America are still functioning neighborhoods today! A lot of times, Italians would hold big festivals, or "festas," in their neighborhoods. These were celebrations of Italian culture that brought many new Italian immigrants together for fun and festivities.