Italian Emigration

WAVES OF IMMIGRATION

The first wave of Italian emigration occurred between 1861 and 1900. Many were artisans from Northern Italy. Over 7 million people emigrated over the next 40 years. More than half went to other European countries, while the rest went to North and South America, Australia and New Zealand.

The second period of mass migration occurred between 1900 and 1914 when over 9 million Italians, mostly from the rural south, sailed for North or South America.  After WWI the flow of emigrants began again but stopped with the rise of fascism in Italy and restrictive immigration policies imposed by the US Congress.

After 6 years of war the third wave of Italian emigration began again in 1946.

FACTORS

Poverty was the primary reason Italians left their homes. Conditions were harsh in the south, so the majority of the immigrants in the 20th century came from these regions. Internal political problems were also a major factor.

In addition, Italian unification of 1860 introduced compulsory military service This event coined the term “brigandage” and a proverb of the time quoted “either brigand or emigrant”.

By 1980, it was estimated that about 25,000,000 Italians were residing outside Italy.