Background
In the 19th century Irish immigrants began to arrive in American ports in large amounts due to their homeland becoming uninhabitable . When they arrived to America they were being discriminated against by the whites.
Thesis Statement
Irish immigrants were not considered white in the late 1800's. The reason why they were not considered white is because they were often substitutes for slaves.
Evidence
Irish immigrants were not considered white because many of the Irish workers were often used to as substitutes for slaves to do life threatening jobs meaning that they were expendable. A quote that supports my reasons is in Document C "One Southerner explained the use of Irish labor on the grounds that: “n-----s are worth too much to be risked here; if the Paddies (Irish) are knocked overboard. . . nobody loses anything.”. If people are known as expendable, they are not American citizens.
Another reason why Irish Immigrants weren't considered white: "Irish youths were also likely to be found in the depleted ranks of indentured servants from the early national period (early 1800's) through the Civil war. In that position they were sometimes called Irish slaves". If a person from the 1800's is considered a slave they are not white.
Another reason why Irish Immigrants weren't considered white: "Irish youths were also likely to be found in the depleted ranks of indentured servants from the early national period (early 1800's) through the Civil war. In that position they were sometimes called Irish slaves". If a person from the 1800's is considered a slave they are not white.
Counter Claim
- Some People May Say Irish People Are White Because In Document One The Picture Shows A Black Person And A White Person But Its Suppose To Be An Irish Person Not A White Person Or That Is The Irish Person In The Picture And The White People Call Irish Women "White Slaves".
- Although Some People Think They Are Not White Because They Were Portrayed As Serving The Whites. If Someone Is Known/Shown For Serving Whites, They Most Likely Are Not Considered As Good As Whites.
Significant Statement
Irish immigrants were not considered white, this affected many Irish people during the time period. This is significant because many Irish immigrants suffered and had to deal with prejudice rules being directed towards them, such as them not being able to have jobs due to their "reputation". This event can show how much Americans have evolved and become more open to a new culture coming into American territory. For example, today juvenile immigrants have the legal right to receive free primary education. The change is slow but is moving forward, which is all that matters.