Italian Emigration in the 19th and 20th Centuries

The Italian emigration of the 19th and 20th centuries was one of the most extensive and complex migratory phenomena in modern history, involving over 26 million people. It cannot be reduced solely to a search for better living conditions but must be seen as an intricate interplay of economic, social, cultural, and individual factors.
The motivations driving people to leave their homeland were often linked to agricultural crises, economic difficulties arising from heavy taxation, and a lack of employment opportunities in rural and mountainous areas. Alongside these structural causes, there was also a range of personal motivations, such as a desire for adventure, economic independence, and the aspiration to secure a better future for their families.
Each migrant carried a unique story, passed down and enriched by strong community networks that facilitated the sharing of information and resources. This complexity makes Italian emigration not just a historical event, but also a reflection of the economic and social transformations of post-unified Italy.
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Annotated bibliography:
Franzina, Emilio. Storia dell’emigrazione italiana. Laterza, 2002.
Gabaccia, Donna R. Italy’s Many Diasporas. University of Washington Press, 2000.

A flexible and personal journey

It doesn’t matter where you start or which stage you choose to explore first, each point will tell you an important part of “La nostra storia altrove”. You can explore our cultural roots or focus on the social and economic impact of the phenomenon. The important thing is to reach the end, piecing together a great historical puzzle that tells us who we are and where we come from.