The Irish in America

The Irish in America

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Preview

• Listen to the song

Skibbereen and read the lyrics

• Write down 3 reasons the songwriter gives for leaving Ireland

SkibbereenO, Father dear, I oft times here, you speak of Erin's Isle,Her lofty scenes, her valleys green, her mountains rude and wildThey say it tis a lovely place, wherein in a saint might dwell,so why did you abandon it, the reason to me tell?

Oh son I loved my native land, with energy and pride'Til a blight came over on my prats, my sheep and cattle died,The rent and taxes were so high, I could not them redeem,And that's the cruel reason why, I left old Skibbereen.

Oh, It's well I do remember, that bleak December day,The landlord and the sheriff came, to drive us all awayThey set my roof on fire, with their cursed English spleenAnd that's another reason why, I left old Skibbereen.

Your mother too, God rest her soul, fell on the snowy ground,She fainted in her anguish, seeing the desolation all round.She never rose, but passed away, from life to immortal dream,She found a quiet grave, my boy, in dear old Skibbereen.

And you were only two years old, and feeble was your frame,I could not leave you with your friends, you bore your father's name,I wrapped you in my cota mior, in the dead of night unseenI heaved a sigh, and said goodbye, to dear old Skibbereen

O' father dear, the day will come, when answer to the callall Irish men of Freedom Stern, will rally one and allI'll be the man to lead the band, beneath the flag of greenloud and clear, we'll raise a cheer , remember Skibbereen

What Caused the Irish to leave Ireland?

• Watch the video

• Fill in the blanks on the Cloze Sheet as you watch using the word bank

• Think about the reflective question at the end of your paper

What Happened in America?

Process

• Use your notes to complete the cause and effect chart in the Process section of your handout

• Write your responses in the arrows on the paper.

Closure - Discussion

• Why were Americans threatened by the Irish moving into the nation?

• What makes us afraid of people who are different than us?

• What can you predict about our treatment of different kinds of people as we move west based upon what you know about what happened to Irish Americans?

Homework5 lines - AABBA

• Write a limerick that 1. Explains the

reasons for Irish immigration to America.

2. Describes their experiences here.

3. Celebrates their accomplishments.

The Irish

Once many Irish came to the USA

Cursed by potatoes and landlords they say

Instead of hope so dear,

They got, “No Irish need apply here.”

Yet construction, unions, and even 15 presidents were made as they made their way