Immigration to the United States

Unlike other immigrant groups, the story of African immigration is unique because the majority of Africans did not choose to come to North America but were brought here against their will. Africans in America treats all the comings of African Americans, addressing the slave trade as well as the immigration of those who moved here by choice. Beginning with the origins of the slave trade in Africa and the expansion of slavery in the 17th and 18th centuries, this clearly written book moves on to describe plantation life and the slave codes of the American South. Extending from this time to the abolition movement to the Harlem Renaissance and beyond, Africans in America concludes with a look at African Americans in the present day, including successes in politics, business, education, and the arts, as well as recent immigration from Africa in the 20th century. A highly appealing introduction to the topic, Italian Immigrants provides a brief history of Italian Americans, their contributions to American society, and highlights of their history. After discussing the first Italian immigrants in colonial America, the book moves on to describe the first great wave of migration and the role of Italians during the American Revolution and the early republic. Through an engaging text and helpful photographs and illustrations, readers will learn how economic opportunities, family and church, and old community ties affected these Italian immigrants. This clear and nicely illustrated volume closes with an exploration of Italian Americans today, emphasizing the fight against the enduring stereotype of Italians and organized crime.