Publication Date

12-15-2025

Document Type

Working Paper

Advisor

Professor John Hall

Journal of Economic Literature Classification Codes

J61, N31, N61

Key Words

The Great Hunger, Irish Immigrant Labor, Railroads, Social Mobility, Urban Policing

Abstract

This inquiry seeks to establish that portions of the population of Ireland -- responding to what has been referred to in their Celtic language as An Gorta Mór, or in the English language as the ‘Great Hunger -- took to emigrating en masse and therewith contributed bigly to the expansion of America’s labor supply. Bolsterd by Irish immigrants, this expanding mid-nineteenth century labor force provided for an abundance of workers needed for a broadly based industrialization, that would also lead to large-scale urbanization as well as a host of changes in this nation’s social fabric. Of note is that the stream of immigrants tended to fill jobs involving demanding physical labor. Such involved the constructing of canals, railroads, buildings, as well as public works. Another portion of Irish immigrants lent their labor services and talents towards urban and civic development; through joining urban police forces, especially. With and through their laboring, Irish immigrants helped to shape the American experience; with a portion of immigrants discovering pathways leading towards social mobility, and therewith securing recognition for their group’s contributions to America’s economic ascent that included both a successful industrialization as well as the formation of major urban centers.

Rights

Copyright 2025 Amanda Bergeson

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44514

Download

Share

COinS