My new work in progress features an Irish heroine, who escaped to America after being sent to Austrailia to work as an indentured servant. This new story is based on my award winning romance novel, Confederate Rose. The heroine of that story is also from Ireland and fought in the American Civil War as did many Irish on both sides of this conflict.
Both England and America experienced a large influx of Irish immigrants during the Victorian era. While some of this was due to the potato famine, a great deal of the problem began back in the mid-17th century, when Oliver Cromwell invaded Ireland. Landowners who refused to give up Catholicism had their property confiscated and given to members of the English Army.
Between 1841 and 1851, Ireland’s population of 8 million had dwindled down to 6 million. An estimated half of these people left the country while the other million died.
One million emigrated to England and America, overwhelming both countries. America saw this surge of immigration between 1815 and 1845. The Irish had few technical skills, but were healthy and strong. They became a much needed source of cheap labor.
In England the Irish lived on the absolute fringes of Victorian society. They became unskilled day laborers and street peddlers.
Thomas Malthus, noted English economist explained the earlier famines and starvation in Ireland as God’s answer to overpopulation of those who refuse to show constraint.
“. . . emigrating to America was not a joyful event . . . They left in droves on ships that were crowded, with conditions so terrible, that they were referred to as Coffin Ships.” http://www.kinsella.org/history/histira.htm
English oppression had made their country unlivable for them. Their only hope was to escape. Poor immigrants were forced to settle in their port of arrival, having no means of moving on.
The offers of free land out west during this time period meant little to the Irish. The land back in Ireland had failed them, so they looked to other means of making a living in their new country.
For more info on Irish immigration, visit these sites: http://www.kinsella.org/history/histira.htm
http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/Irish-immigration-to-America.html
Wonderful post. I had ancestors who immigrated to the US during that time period.
Thanks, Ella! My grandmother was Irish and although she wasn’t directly in immigrant, I love to research how America was shaped by all those fleeing oppression and lack of opportunity in other lands.
You know, Susan, I was in Dublin last year, and heard from a local family that they think another wave of Irish are emigrating due to the economy. 😦 They were saddened by the thought. I’m headed back again to Ireland this September. Most of my ancestors came from Ireland to Canada, and my particular group came down into the U.S., hence, the name McBride. 🙂 Very informative post, Susan. Good luck on your book! I love Irish themes. Love the Irish in general!! 🙂
That is sad, Bess. I visited Ireland years ago when I was just starting college. It was such a beautiful country and I dreamed of living there, even if for a little while. But it was just a dream. lol
Never had the chance to go back again, but I would love to.
I love putting Irish characters into my historical romances, even if they’re only playing minor roles.
A good post, Susan. I have relatives from Ireland who made it out before the potato famine.
Thanks, Gerri! It had to be a terrible time.
Great post, Susan! As you know, I love anything to do with Ireland. Even though most of my ancestors are French-Canadian, I did have one woman who came to Canada in 1829 on my late father’s side. As for the immigrants who came to Canada, while some did stay, many more left soon after getting off the ship to make their way to the United States. They wanted to live free, and Canada at that time was still a British colony. The attempted “invasion” of Canada shortly after the end of the American Civil War, actually hastened the passing of Confederation in Canada. Best of luck with the WIP! 🙂
Thanks, Cynthia! I can fully understand them not wanting to live anywhere under British rule. You do great Irish and Irish-American characters, btw!