Poles And Italians In Detroit Essay Research

Poles And Italians In Detroit Essay, Research Paper

Poles and Italians in Detroit

In the late 17th century and early 18th century Detroit was a hotbed for foreign immigration. The booming automobile industry and resulting growth of the city ensured that many jobs were available for those able to take them. Among these immigrants were distinct groups originating from many different countries. Two of these groups were the Poles and the Italians, who arrive to Detroit looking for a new beginning. Although many similarities can be found between the groups there are an equal number of differences, which defined each separate culture. In this paper I.d like to focus on the similarities and differences between the Poles and Italians in Detroit by looking at their reasons for leaving their countries and subsequent arrivals into Detroit, their lifestyles upon moving to Detroit, and the Americanization process that occurred when they arrived.

In my opinion both the Poles and Italians left their homelands not necessarily because they wanted to, but more as a means of survival. Both of these groups suffered from insufficient family incomes due to overpopulation, lack of peasant landholding, and changing word economy. Although they shared these similarities their were also striking differences.

.Poland was partitioned among three neighboring empires and disappeared as a state in Europe until after World War I. (Global View/Origins/Europe/Poland). Since the Poles were under foreign rule, which left them without a voice in their respective governments and society many, chose to immigrate to Detroit as a means of political relief. Upon arrival to Detroit they occupied the North Eastern side of the city, and because .Poles comprised the largest European immigrant group in the metropolis,. (American Cities/Detroit/Poles/Neighborhood/In Streets/Detroit Polish Settlements) they soon occupied Hamtramck as well.

Most who left Italy and moved to Detroit were Southern Italian farmers. .As Italy became unified and tied to the world economy, its economy and society changed sharply,. (Global View/Origins/Europe/Italy) due to the fact that most Italians used outdated methods of farming which produce insufficient crop when compared to more modernized societies. When they came to Detroit they shared a strong family ties and village obligation which led to most Italians settling together on the East side of Detroit.

To me, it is obvious why these two groups immigrated to Detroit. The Poles were under foreign rule, and had no say in their government. Their departure took place during World War I when the countries that were ruling them also persecuted them because of beliefs and political differences. This is true even today, no person wants to give up his right of free will, and if pressed into this it is much easier to leave for a place where you are free to exercise your own opinions. Likewise Italians were forced to leave as a means to find a source of income. However their emigration rate was the highest among immigrants, which leads me to believe that their reason for leaving was almost purely a matter of money. Which I again can identify with, it.s very common for people in today.s society to switch jobs because it ensures more financial security, even if that job may be undesirable.

One of the most defining characteristics, which separated the Poles and the Italians, were their varied lifestyles while living in Detroit. The major difference when looking at the two appeared in their means of employment. Most of the Poles in Detroit worked in the automobile or metal industries, and quite a few actually had skilled labor jobs. While some Italians worked in industry their employment tendencies had quite a bit of diversity. Jobs held by Italians included (but were not limited to) unskilled labor in the fields of auto, shipbuilding, and construction. Many were also involved in the pedaling of fruits and vegetables from street side stands.

The jobs that the Poles and Italians held while in Detroit make sense when you consider their background. Before arriving in Detroit Poles were exposed to the industrial explosion in their homeland. This also explains why some Poles had skilled labor jobs while in Detroit. On the other hand the majority of Italians in Detroit were poor farmers in Italy, and since they were now living in a budding metropolis many of the skills they acquired while farming were not applicable in the city. This forced the majority of the Italians to take unskilled labor positions.

Another important difference was what each group considered their top priority while in Detroit. .For the first generation Polish immigrant, home ownership was the highest economic priority,. (American Cities/Detroit/Poles/Neighborhood/At Home/Thrift and Home Ownership) and often resulted in young boys being pulled out of school to work. In contrast the top priority for Italians seemed to be supporting the families that were left in Italy.

Because the Polish immigrations were more permanent than the Italians it is understandable why a nice home would be important. To many it was and still is a sign of wealth and prosperity. When considering the Italians you must realize that many were supporting families in Italy, and actually planned on returning which would mean that the home they would be interested in owning would be in a different