Culhane 1
Donal Culhane
Mr. Fabbri/Mrs. Mayer
English I Period 7
15 June 2011
The United States a Country of Hope
The War of Independence from Britain in Ireland in the early 1900s was devastating to the citizens of Ireland and was the start of a decade of turmoil. Economic and political conditions in Ireland were in shambles while the economic and political conditions in the United States were thriving. The move from Ireland to America during the 1920s provided the hope for a better quality of life.
In the 1920s, the political and economical conditions for some in Ireland consisted of political turmoil, poverty, and starvation. In 1919, Ireland launched a war against Britain in hopes of achieving independence. The war lasted until December of 1921, when the Angelo-Irish
Treaty divided Northern Ireland into six different counties and twenty-six counties in the south.
In June 1921, the Irish Free states were founded by the Angelo-Irish Treaty when it divided up
Ireland, but a civil war broke out between pro and anti treaty forces, which tore the country apart
("A Century of Turmoil;"). As a result, the effect of both wars within a short time period was devastating for Ireland; therefore, many Irish began to leave in hopes for peace and prosperity.
Unlike conditions in Ireland during the 1920s, America economy was thriving and prosperous thanks to the construction boom. Construction and building set record amounts in the
1920s, which was not equaled until the 1950s ("Government and the Economy" 87-88). For example, construction in 1925 reached more than $6 billion, which rose from a little more than
$919 million the previous decade. This created more jobs in the United States, the construction

Culhane 2 workers made around $1,200 or $1,800 per year. This provided income security to some at that level. However, construction workers faced the constant threat of frequent layoffs because of the ups and downs of the construction industry ("Government and the Economy" 87-88). In addition,
“The growing suburbs stimulated construction not only of shopping facilities, schools, and civic buildings but also of country clubs and golf courses ("Government and the Economy" 87-88).”
Therefore, cities began to spread out, so builders began to build suburbs which helped the economy and helped recreational areas be set up. In the 1900s the United States began to prosper, and later, in the 1920s, the golden age of construction began. This provided thousands of jobs which helped the immigrants that were arriving by the boatload every day ("Government and the Economy" 87-88). As a result, the construction boom provided new opportunities for immigrants arriving in the United States in search of employment.
The early Irish immigrant Culhane family left Ireland in 1920 for the United States due to the turbulent times resulting from a war for independence and then a civil war. Once arriving in the United States, the early Culhanes were involved in some military service, and later entered the steel industry/construction of bridges and buildings in New York City. The early Culhanes settled in New Jersey, close to the New York City border.
The move from Ireland to America during the 1920s provided the hope for a better quality of life. Ireland was suffering the economic effects from the war for independence with
Britain and then a new civil war, which tore the country even further apart. At the same time, the
Unites States was prospering and had thousands of immigrants pouring into the United States in hopes of starting a new life and enjoying the economic benefits. The attraction of freedom civil rights for most, made the U.S.A. unique and inviting to suffering countries. Ireland endured tragedy after tragedy which resulted in thousands of its citizens to flee in hopes of a better life

Culhane 3 elsewhere. My ancestors left their original home in Ireland and made the long trip to the United
States in search of the American dream of opportunity and prosperity. The late Culhane family members and through present day, took advantage of America’s message that hard work does pave the way for dreams to come true.