Question

Select the statements that best describe the wave of Irish immigration in America in the mid-1800s.

Many landed jobs that involved unskilled, physical labor.

Many faced extreme poverty.

Many were required to pay entrance fees in order to live and work in America.

Many were forced to go to America against their will.

Many faced discrimination in society.

Many were highly-educated and led the charge against social justice.

Answer 1

Correct statements:
- Many landed jobs that involved unskilled, physical labor.
- Many faced extreme poverty.
- Many faced discrimination in society.

Why the others are incorrect:
- There was no general requirement to pay entrance fees to live and work in America (travel cost and passage fares existed, but not an imposed “entrance fee”).
- Most Irish who came during the mid-1800s left to escape the Great Famine—they weren’t forced to go against their will.
- The bulk of mid-1800s Irish immigrants were poor and unskilled rather than highly educated leaders of social justice movements.