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Many of the early Italian immigrants went to neighbiring European countries and to South America, especially Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. There was more cultural afinity with the South American countries than largely Protestant North America. Italians in the second half of the 19th century, however, began a mass exodus to countries with more promising economic opportunites. Southern Italy was almost entirely an agricultural economy, but crop yiels were low and few peasants owned land. Italians left for many different countries. The single most important destination was the United States. I am unsure about the impact of Italiam emigrants on other countries, but they had a profound impact on still largely Protestant America.
The substantian emigration of Italians began in the mid-19th century, with an increase in late century. Economic conditions and improved transportation systems were both factors. The largest number of migrants left for the Americas, especially the United States. Substantial numbers also migrated to other European countries. France was the most important European destination, in part becuse it was close and Catholic. The fact that France had annexed areas with Itlalian populations was another factor. We are lkess sure about the extent of the Italian population in other countries, but we do note Italians in many other European countries, including theProtesant countries of northern Europe.
America at first was not the primary destination, but this changed over time. Eventually about 4 million Italians came to America. While many returned, many stayed making Italians one of the most important Anerican immigrant groups. At the same time the United States was expanding west led by rapidly growing railroads. The railroads played an important role in promoting immigration. The railroads received bonuses from the Federal Government in land, but the land had little value unless there was someone to sell it to that would generate cargos. Immigrants mean both customers and workers willing to work for low wages. American companies, like the Union Pacific Railroad sent recruiters to Italy. Other companies like stockyards did as well. They were especially iterested in young males age 14 to 25. Many early Italian emmigrants returned to Italy from America with money and boased of their success, which generated even more emmigration.
South America was another important destination for Italian immigrants. Italian emmigration was especially important to Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Italian emigation to these Catholic countries with cultural and linguistic affiities was at first greater than the emigration to the United States.
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