Italian emigration between the 19th and 20th centuries was an epic phenomenon characterized by extraordinary complexity.
It was not simply a matter of abandoning one’s homeland, but a courageous and strategic act to escape economic and social difficulties, while preserving one’s dignity and that of one’s family.

While driven by agricultural crises, heavy taxation, and lack of opportunities, emigration was not merely an escape from poverty. Rather, it represented a pragmatic response to the fear of falling into poverty, a way to seek opportunities in distant lands without renouncing one’s roots.

Italian emigrants demonstrated an extraordinary ability to face challenges and integrate into new cultures, leaving an indelible mark on the societies that welcomed them. The Italian diaspora created strong community ties, preserving Italian traditions, language, customs, and a strong sense of community even thousands of miles away. Each emigrant carried with them not only hopes and dreams but also a living part of Italian culture.

In many cases, Italian emigrants contributed to the economic development of their destination countries, creating new businesses and taking on jobs often considered undesirable by the local population. Italian emigration not only changed the face of the communities they left behind but also enriched the countries they arrived in, demonstrating how migration can be a driver of development and cultural exchange.

Annotated bibliography:
Franzina, Emilio. Storia dell’emigrazione italiana. Laterza, 2002.
Bevilacqua, Piero, et al. Storia dell’emigrazione italiana. Vol. 1: Partenze. Donzelli Editore, 2001.
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.