Thesis: In the mid to late 19th century, multiple factors caused a spike in emigration from Ireland to America. A six year potato blight, a devastated economy, and tensions with the British government were amoung the reasons why the Irish people left their homeland. But it was also hope for a better life in cities and possible opportunity in factories, textile mills, and the west, that brought the Irish to America. Thus developing a large Irish community in the northeast United States. This push and pull effect is what caused the massive migration to America.