During the later half of the 19th century some 1.5 million Jews immigrated to the Unites States. The majority came from Russia while others arrived from Austria-Hungary and Romania. Beginning in 1881 the Russian Jews began to immigrate in increasing numbers. Most were seeking asylum from oppressive rule.
After Poland was partitioned by Russia, Prussia and Austria the once free Jews were annexed by the Russian Czar. They were confined to lands in the Polish territory called the Jewish pale of settlement. Within this pale the rights of the Jewish people were summarily stripped and they were severely exploited. Jewish boys were forced to join the military at the age of 12 and required to serve 31 years. Under czar Alexander II the mass murders of the pogroms wiped out whole towns within the Jewish communities. In 1881 the czar was assassinated and the Jews were suspect. Many were slain as a result and for many, the killings of 1881 was the final straw. Thus began the mass exodus of the eastern European Jews to America.
Unlike many of the other new immigrant groups the Jews were very keen on becoming Americans. They did not wish to stand out and sometimes accepted western culture as a means of covering up their Jewishness. They set up organizations to help the Jewish community and placed a high priority on education. Unlike the Italians, Jewish children were expected to eventually leave their communities in order to secure a better future elsewhere.
The Jews that immigrated to America during this time period were generally educated businessmen and professionals. Unlike the Italians the Jewish immigrants moved as family units. Because of the persecution and bloodshed they rarely considered moving back to the old county. Many who came to America became tailors and clothing manufactures.
After Poland was partitioned by Russia, Prussia and Austria the once free Jews were annexed by the Russian Czar. They were confined to lands in the Polish territory called the Jewish pale of settlement. Within this pale the rights of the Jewish people were summarily stripped and they were severely exploited. Jewish boys were forced to join the military at the age of 12 and required to serve 31 years. Under czar Alexander II the mass murders of the pogroms wiped out whole towns within the Jewish communities. In 1881 the czar was assassinated and the Jews were suspect. Many were slain as a result and for many, the killings of 1881 was the final straw. Thus began the mass exodus of the eastern European Jews to America.
Unlike many of the other new immigrant groups the Jews were very keen on becoming Americans. They did not wish to stand out and sometimes accepted western culture as a means of covering up their Jewishness. They set up organizations to help the Jewish community and placed a high priority on education. Unlike the Italians, Jewish children were expected to eventually leave their communities in order to secure a better future elsewhere.
The Jews that immigrated to America during this time period were generally educated businessmen and professionals. Unlike the Italians the Jewish immigrants moved as family units. Because of the persecution and bloodshed they rarely considered moving back to the old county. Many who came to America became tailors and clothing manufactures.
A Century Later
Jewish Americans have spread throughout the country however, they still heavily populate New York state and the northeast.