MARIO AVAGLIANO, MARCO PALMIERI

American Italians

The Great Emigration to the United States

The epic of Italian emigration to the United States has shaped the stories of entire generations and two nations. Using a wide variety of sources (including letters, diaries, personal accounts, and official documents), the authors investigate the motivations, aspirations and hopes that accompanied millions of Italians on their journey to the New World. From the earliest departures to the great emigration of the 20th century, this book provides an exhaustive overview of the historical phases of this major migratory phenomenon. The text examines the material conditions of travel, the social networks that fostered departures, the crucial role of women and their emancipation process, the challenges of integration into American society, the effects of prejudice, and changes in the social, economic, and cultural fabric of both countries.

Mario Avagliano and Marco Palmieri are journalists and historians.

Introduzione

PARTE PRIMA: LA GREAT EMIGRATION

I. Il sogno americano

II. La partenza e il viaggio

III. Il Nuovo Mondo

IV. Il lavoro

V. Le Little Italies

VI. Reti sociali, catene familiari e richiami

VII. «Fare la “Merica”»… in Italia

VIII. La difficile integrazione e il razzismo

PARTE SECONDA: DALLA GRANDE GUERRA ALLA SECONDA GUERRA MONDIALE

IX. La Grande Guerra e le due patrie

X. La politica delle quote e la red scare

XI. Gli italoamericani e il fascismo

XII. L’emigrazione politica e razziale e l’antifascismo

XIII. La Mano Nera e la Cosa Nostra

XIV. Il conflitto generazionale e l’americanizzazione

XV. Le storie di successo degli italoamericani

Sigle e abbreviazioni

Note

Indice dei nomi