The Great Migration: An Overview of Italian Immigration to Argentina (1882 to 1911)

Abstract

Argentina is well known for its large Italian immigrant population. This paper provides a survey of the first significant movement of Italian immigrants to Argentina, from 1882 to 1911. A push-and-pull mechanism of emigration is outlined, providing an analysis of causes for emigration from Italy and factors that encouraged immigration in Argentina. Poor economic conditions in Italy and the newly implemented conscription encouraged Italians to look elsewhere for better opportunities. Argentina was an attractive destination, having recently seen massive infrastructural development and economic improvement. The cost of travel had become significantly more affordable, which proved useful to both permanent or long-term settlers and seasonal workers.  Contrary to the notion of the resolutely assimilationist Argentine state, this paper argues that the success of assimilationist policies was limited with regard to Italian immigrants. Due to a very concentrated and well-established community, Italians were able to resist assimilation into the twentieth century. Because of their conspicuous presence, Italian influence played a crucial role in  the evolution of the Argentine nation.