Norwegian+Immigration+1820-1920

Norwegian Immigration 1820-1920
Between 1820 and 1920 there were about 1 million Norwegian immigrants that came to America. Only Ireland had more percentage of the population go over to America in the 19th century. There were 40,000 Norwegians in America before the 1870's, and in the 1880's about 176,000 Norwegians immigrated to America. This was more than a ninth of Norway's population. Most of Norwegians in America tended to settle in the Midwest, which included Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. There were also many along the Pacific Coast. A big reason for settling in the Midwest because of the arable land. Most Norwegians became farmers. Other jobs included sailors and laborers because the pay was at least four times as high in America as Norway. Stories of success in America also led to many more Norwegian immigrants. There were many different reasons for Norwegians to go to America. There was not enough arable land in Norway to have an economy based on agriculture. Social differences had many lower class Norwegians coming to America. Most of them did not feel equal when they had to remove their hat whenever they passed an upper class men. The opportunity to vote also made Norwegians feel equal. Only a select few could vote in Norway, when all men could vote in America. There was also a religious push. There were religious battles that caused many Norwegians to immigrate to America. Between 1820 and 1920 many Norwegians immigrated to America, and there were many reasons why.