Project Overview
The stories of migrant groups in the United States differ from each other based on various factors and characteristics. Our project focuses on the experiences of Norwegian migrants to the United States during the middle to late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, examining what influenced their movement and following their lives in their country of origin as well as their host nation. Through our research, we have found that Norwegian Americans shared many experiences with other migrant groups during this wave of migration to the U.S., however, they also encountered opportunities and freedoms that were unique to their specific population. This website provides details about the challenges, transatlantic movement, and limits or access to freedom that Norwegian immigrants encountered from 1840 to 1915.
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Conditions of Ship Travel
Quality of Travel for Migrants
Overall
Most passengers resided in the Between-Decks section of the ship. Ravaged by disease, food shortages and poor sanitation, migrants faced a deadly and challenging voyage before they were able to reach America.
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Ship Rules
In order to maintain a level of peace and order on the ships, many ships imposed their own set of rules for passengers to follow. These rules differed from ship to ship and were meant to be taken seriously.
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Push & Pull FactorsAppeal of America
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Demographics
Social Life in America
American Perception
This section features a look at how Norwegian migrants were being perceived by their American counterparts.
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Occupations
Here, we begin diving into what kind of jobs and opportunities were available to migrants upon their arrival.
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Language
We explore how Norwegians were able to maintain their native language while also being exposed to English.
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Cultural Identity
We can begin discovering the cultural ideas, values and traditions that were maintained instead of being forced to assimilate.
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Conditions of Living
Living in America
One of the most prominent aspects of moving is having to locate a new place to live.
Norwegians were faced with having to find entirely new areas of shelter once they reached America. However, the living conditions available to them were often poor, dirty, and unsanitary. Explore what types of conditions migrants faced and see how these conditions evolved over time. |
Literature & Picture Citations:
Pictures
Header background citation: The voyages of the Norsemen to America. From flickr.com. No known copyright restrictions.
Conditions of Ship Travel (Overall): Kalmar museum Kronan (shipp) deck by Boatbuilder. Used under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Conditions of Ship Travel (Ship Rules): Cutty Sark (ship, 1869) - SLV H91.250-164. From the State Library of Victoria. Used under public domain.
Push & Pull factors background: Statue of Liberty by Armando Lazo. Used under free use.
Conditions of Living background: Religious statues, a calendar, and rubbish left behind in the second-floor front room of a vacated Brooklyn housing proj - NARA - 518272. From the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Used under public domain.
Videos
Imsdalen – A Story about Norwegian Immigration to Minnesota: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ8d5ksCkEY
Header background citation: The voyages of the Norsemen to America. From flickr.com. No known copyright restrictions.
Conditions of Ship Travel (Overall): Kalmar museum Kronan (shipp) deck by Boatbuilder. Used under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Conditions of Ship Travel (Ship Rules): Cutty Sark (ship, 1869) - SLV H91.250-164. From the State Library of Victoria. Used under public domain.
Push & Pull factors background: Statue of Liberty by Armando Lazo. Used under free use.
Conditions of Living background: Religious statues, a calendar, and rubbish left behind in the second-floor front room of a vacated Brooklyn housing proj - NARA - 518272. From the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Used under public domain.
Videos
Imsdalen – A Story about Norwegian Immigration to Minnesota: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ8d5ksCkEY