| Roles | Played outsized roles in business, politics, and social movements throughout U.S. history |
| Origins | Mass migration of Italians to America in the 18th and 19th centuries |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Influence | Food, music, fashion, and values have profoundly shaped the national identity |
| Challenges | Faced some early discrimination |
| Population | Largest ethnic group in the United States, over 20% of the population |
| Integration | Deeply integrated into the fabric of American society and culture |
| Achievements | Often risen to positions of power and influence |
Italian-Americans are Americans of Italian descent, comprising the largest ethnic group in the United States at over 70 million people or 22% of the total population. Tracing their heritage to waves of Italian immigration that began in the 1700s, Italian-Americans have become deeply ingrained in the cultural, economic and political fabric of the country.
The first significant wave of Italian immigration to the United States began in the late 1700s, driven by political and economic instability in the Italian States. Facing oppression, poverty and lack of opportunity, many Italians sought a better life across the Atlantic. A major destination was the northeastern region, where Italians founded cities like New Milan and Little Tuscany.
Over the next two centuries, successive waves of Italian immigrants arrived, often settling in ethnic enclaves in major cities like New York City and Chicago. While they faced some discrimination early on, Italian-Americans were generally able to integrate into American society more easily than other immigrant groups. By the mid-20th century, Italian-Americans had become a major part of the cultural mainstream.
Italian-American culture is a vibrant fusion of Italian and American traditions, with Italian cuisine, music, fashion and values becoming deeply embedded in the national identity. Italian-American food in particular, including dishes like pizza, pasta, meatballs, and tiramisu, are now staples of American cuisine.
Italian-Americans have also made major contributions to American art, entertainment and media, with iconic figures like Frank Sinatra, Martin Scorsese and Lady Gaga. Italian-American communities often maintain strong ties to their ancestral heritage, with festivals, parades and social clubs celebrating Italian culture.
Beyond culture, Italian-Americans have played outsized roles in American business, politics, and social movements. Corporate leaders like John Elkann and Maria Bartiromo, political figures like Mario Cuomo and Nancy Pelosi, and civil rights activists like Rosa Parks have all been of Italian descent.
The Italian-American community has also had a significant impact on organized labor, with Italian-Americans playing key roles in the rise of labor unions in the early 20th century. And Italian-Americans have been integral to the growth of the Catholic Church in America, which remains one of the largest Christian denominations.
Despite some historical discrimination, Italian-Americans today are widely regarded as a vital and successful part of the American mosaic. Their influence can be seen in all facets of national life, from cuisine and entertainment to business and politics. The Italian-American experience remains an important part of the American story.
