In colonial times, the Irish population in America was second in number only to the English. Many early Irish immigrants were of sturdy, Scotch-Irish stock. Most Scotch-Irish immigrants were educated, skilled workers. When they arrived in America most Irish-Americans lived in the large cities. (E.g. Boston and New York, as well as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Missouri and San Francisco.) However many Irish died on route to the USA from poverty, ill health and poor conditions after the great famine. Famous Irish-Americans: Presidents Andrew Jackson Ronald Reagan John F. Kennedy James Braddock Ed Sullivan Eugene O'Neill By Stacey and Matt

There were Religious conflicts in Ireland between Catholics and protestants and some Irish wanted to move as they just wanted a peaceful life Lack of political autonomy Dire economic conditions During and after the Great Irish Famine of , millions of Irish Catholics came to North America. Most of them lived in Canada. Starvation and disease caused by the Potato famine

the Irish believed that America was the land of opportunity Promise of land ownership Greater religious freedom because unlike Ireland there was no religious conflicts Jobs became available for them because of the economic prosperity 4.5 million Irish arrived in America between 1820 and Chicago river dyed green in 2005 to celebrate St. Patrick’s day.