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As previously connoted herein, a significant proportion of close to 80% of Italian Immigrants emanated from Southern Italy. A reflection on Southern Italy shows that it is a virtually feudal, and a highly stratified society. A significant proportion of the Southern Italian population comprised of farm labourers, artisans, and petty land owners living in impoverished states. These factors including the unification of Italy pushed the Southerners to exit their homes and come into the United States. Precisely, unification of Italy was not favourable for the Southerners (Cole 529). The unification came with tax policies, which was disastrous for the Southern Italians. For this reason, immigration into the United States seemed to be the only feasible option for the Southern Italians. This explains the reason as to why a significant proportion of the Italian immigrants in the United States came from Southern Italy.
Early immigration of Italians into America can be traced to the 1880s when Southern Italians began a mass exit from Peninsula. Precisely, early Italian immigration began in various regions including Basilicata, Apulia, Calabria, as well as Campania. By the year 1900 mass exodus had spread into Sicily. By this period Italian immigration had evolved into a stream of humanity. As at the year 1924 it was estimated that more than four million Italians had reached the United States (Bencivenni 46). Of the four million Italian American immigrants close to two million arrived in the United States between the years 1901 and 1910. While it is true that a significant proportion of the Italians immigrated into the United States, it is of the essence to note that others immigrated to other places including America and Europe. Immigration of the Italians was precipitated by various factors. More importantly, Italian sailors and explorers including Christopher Columbus reached the United States in the early immigration era.