Since Christopher Columbus first landed on these shores, Italians have left their homeland to begin a new life in the New World. Italians in America uncovers their rich heritage and shares their stories of hope and heartache, oppression and liberation, bigotry and assimilation. Italians in America would be useful for classes on American History, Immigration, American Culture and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Part II

While struggling with the harsh realities of life in America, Italian American immigrant families sought solace in “la famiglia.” Enriched by their culture, strengthened by their loyalties, and emboldened by their perseverance and talents, they made their way towards acceptance.

• bombastic
• consortium
• constituents
• escalate
• extortion
• infiltrate
• insulate
• mystique
• nefarious
• peritonitis
• racketeering
• sanctuary
• stigma
• syndicate
• versatility
• watershed

1. Italian culture revolves around two things: family and food. Why were Italian immigrants so family-centered?

2. Discuss the impact of gender roles on the Italian American family.

3. Italian parents and their American children experienced both generational and cultural conflicts. Discuss what some of these conflicts were and why they occurred.

4. Discuss the appeal of organized crime in the early decades of the twentieth century.

5. Joe DiMaggio was one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game. But his contribution to American culture was greater than just baseball, especially for Italian Americans. Discuss DiMaggio’s contributions to Italian American and American culture.

6. Fiorello La Guardia is one of the most colorful characters in New York history. Discuss the appeal of this diminutive giant to his constituents.

7. World War II was a watershed for Italian Americans. How and why did the war change the lives of many Italian Americans?

8. Why did many Italian Americans wish to submerge their Italian identity after World War II?

9. Discuss the role of food in Italian American culture.

1. Many Italian immigrants brought members of their families to America and recreated their family tree in the United States. Draw your family tree, and if you have immigrant ancestors, indicate which members migrated to the U.S. and when they migrated.

2. Create a movie poster for a Rudolph Valentino film.

3. Create an album cover for a Frank Sinatra record.

Related Videos

Air Dates

• October 19, 2004