Read-Learn English-Italian-Italy: Cultural Readings: Italian Immigration

Join us as we continue our series of readings in Italian about cultural, historical topics locations in and about Italy. This time we will be reading about Italian Immigration to the United States, Canada and South America.

Audience: For English speakers who are learning Italian and are at the intermediate level.

The Plan:

1. We will all read the presentation in Italian within smaller groups/breakout rooms.
2. We will translate the passages into English.
3. We will re-join the main room for discussion and when available listen to an Italian reading on the topic.

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### A Journey of Hope and Hardship: The History of Italian Immigration Worldwide

So join us for an insightful look into a pivotal chapter of Italian history: the mass emigration of millions of Italians who left their homeland in search of a better life. We'll explore the driving forces behind this movement, the challenges faced, and the incredible legacy left behind.

• Why They Left: The Push Factors from Italy Discover the dire conditions in post-unification Italy (1861), including widespread poverty, limited agricultural land, lack of urban work, and the impact of natural disasters that compelled millions to seek opportunities abroad.
• Crossing the Ocean: Destinations in the Americas Learn about the primary destinations for Italian immigrants, focusing on the United States and Canada. We'll delve into their experiences arriving at ports like Ellis Island, the tough travel conditions, and their efforts to integrate into new societies while preserving their culture in "Little Italies."
• New Homelands in the South: Argentina and Brazil Explore how South American countries like Argentina and Brazil became significant destinations. Understand the role Italian immigrants played in developing these nations, from agricultural work in the pampas and coffee plantations to contributing to the construction and culture of major cities.
• The Peak and Beyond: Waves of Immigration Examine the period of peak Italian emigration between 1880 and 1914, and how world events and changing immigration laws affected these flows. We'll also touch upon the smaller wave of emigration after World War II.
• A Lasting Legacy: The Impact of Italian Immigrants Celebrate the enduring contributions of Italian descendants worldwide. Their resilience, hard work, and adaptability have profoundly shaped the culture, economy, and society of their adopted countries, while many continue to honor their Italian roots.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88234582018
Meeting ID: 882 3458 2018
Passcode: LearnIT

Our Mission: Together to Connect, Develop, Encourage and Serve.
La Nostra Missione: Insieme per Connetterci, Sviluppare, Incoraggiare e Servire.