As one of the largest ethnic groups to immigrate to America, the Irish have been very influential on American society. The first waves of Irish immigration began due to religious and economic problems which began in 1717.  Following these waves of immigration, the most renowned departure of people from Ireland to America began in September of 1845, when potato crops started to fail and die. This fungus, phytophthora infestans, came from ships from America headed for Great Britain. Another factor that attracted Irish to America was the fact that they could receive nearly five times the amount of pay for farm work in America than in Ireland. Today over 43 million Americans say that they are of Irish heritage.

The fungus that wiped out Irish potato crops within days originated across the Atlantic Ocean in Mexico.

Immigration...Irish

Irish Immigration to American during the 19th Century