Analysis of Global Automobile Market

Analysis of Global Automobile Market EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of the report is to assess the recent strategies employed by global automobile organisations between 2007 and 2010 based on secondary data and published press. Organisations thereafter refer to global automobile organisations. This report explores the process of reconciling dichotomies at Honda Motors Corporations (HMC) in terms of its strategies and core competences. Several theoretical frameworks were derived from related literature as a guide to analyse and integrate relevant elements from business level and corporate level strategies application. The roles on mergers and acquisitions (MA) applied in the global automobile industry are then discussed. This section is structured as follows: part 1 reveals MA in relation to too much debts and risk of bankruptcy; part 2 describes MA as a strategy to explore potential for product synergy and part 3 illustrates MA as means to access to new technologies and emerging markets. This report examines the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices initiated by the organisations and its impact on the financial and non-financial performance. The report ends at discussion the Western and Japanese leadership used by the global automobile organisations and their suitability. INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW OF GLOBAL AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY The automobile industry can be divided into three categories: auto parts vendors, automobile manufacturers and dealers. The global automobile market has been long dominated by Western manufacturers such as General Motors, Chrysler and Volkswagen in 1955 followed by eastern automobiles manufacturers Toyota, Honda and Nissan since 2005. In 2009, Toyota was the worlds leading car manufacturer with approximately 15.3 percent market share, Volkswagen 13.1 percent and Ford approximately 6.9 percent market share (Datamonitor 2009). Recently automobile manufacturers in developing countries such as Hyundai, Tata and Geely have increasingly become vital players in the automobile market, Hyundai is now one of the significant players in the United States market (Fetscherin and Toncar 2010) whereby Tata and Geely have begun to take aim at developed country automobile markets and intend to compete in the global automobile market (Fetscherin and Toncar 2010). The 2008 global financial downturn had negatively impacted the automobile industry into crisis thus many organisations were encountered losses and bankruptcy. Nevertheless, there were four outstanding organisations recorded remarkable profit during this turbulent period: Volkswagen, Honda, Hyundai and BMW (Appendix 1). Forecasts predict that the global car industry will be worth $1,611 billion by 2014 with the volume of 66.2 million units (Datamonitor, 2009). HONDA STRATEGY AND MANAGERIAL DICHOTOMIES HMC established in 1948. Honda develops, manufactures and markets small general purpose engines and scooters to specialty sports cars, had earn an outstanding reputation from customers worldwide. Honda has grown to become the worlds largest motorcycle manufacturer and one of the leading automobile manufacturers. There are seven business units in HMC (Figure 1). Figure 1 Honda SBU.jpg Honda business level strategy versus corporate level strategy in global context Business level strategy refers to the way HMC competes in an industry which it is located. Porter generic strategies framework had been employed to examine each Honda strategic business units (SBU) (Figure 2). Figure 2 Porter generic.jpg Honda sets out cost leadership strategy to produce an urban car with fuel efficient feature, Honda City, a successful model had reflected Hondas innovative and quick response to market demand on inexpensive and fuel efficient (Nonaka 2007). Honda enjoys the cost advantage to produce and market its Hero Honda motorcycle in India by preference to access to raw materials and efficiency of production capability (Ramarao 2009). Honda continuous seeks for cost reductions to competitive position. Differentiation involves offering a unique product with special characteristic however the selling price may not be low (Fitzroy and Hulbert 2005) Honda created Acura series to isolated its common automobile ranges. Acura is a higher range to compete with luxury category, i.e. Toyota Lexus. Honda Acura differentiates itself from product features and engine performance. Honda produces a series of scooter range from 50cc to 125cc to meets different demands for different markets (HMC 2009). Honda launched specialty engines GX160, GX200 and GX390 for better handling and durability suitable for long tail boats which are common water transportation in Asia (HMC 2009). Honda Insight, a hybrid vehicle that incorporated a compact and lightweight hybrid system to offer fuel economy while maintain the pleasure of driving (HMC 2009). Besides differentiation strategies, Honda performs well in its private jets, ATVs, watercrafts, outboard motors and jets. Honda differentiates focus on dual clutch transmission and water cooled engines in its FourTrax Rancher ATVs (HMC 2009). Honda started Hondajet since 2006, the private jet featured by HF120 compact turbofan engine for low emission where the first delivery is expected in 2011 (HMC 2009). Corporate strategy is the future organisations directions against resources possessed by the organisation (Lynch 2000). Corporate strategy links organisations internal resources and the social economic environment that it operates (Lynch 2000). HMCs sense of purpose is to striving to be a company society wants to exist (HMC 2009). In view of intense competition (threats) and strong demand (opportunities) from HMC operating environment (Figure 3), HMC had implemented some value added corporate strategies. Figure 3 Corporate strategy.jpg Product diversification concerns an expansion of product range that Honda supplies. Honda extended its product range from light truck to compact sedan cars. In North America, HMC introduces Pilot, Acura TSX and Acura TL to meet the different market requirements (HMC 2009). HMC broaden its range to launched Honda City in Asia outside Japan as the trend towards driving smaller cars accelerated along with the increase in fuel prices (HMC 2009). Vertical integration is an expansion of range of business related activities that HMC encompasses (Fitzroy and Hulbert 2005). Honda opens up financial services division to lease their automobiles and services centres for pre and after sales services to strengthen its branding position as one stop vehicle provider. Geographical diversification is an expansion to wider geographical areas mainly to create additional market share or obtaining competitive advantages. HMC has a global network of 396 subsidiaries and 105 affiliates in more than five regions and 160 countries recorded 3.5 million units automobiles sales in 2009 (HMC 2009). HMC established its manufacturing plants in various countries to support domestic demand rather than manufacture in Japan and export, this will help in shorten the delivery lead time and incentive in domestic assembly. Successful organisations must outgrow their initial scope of products and geographical areas (Fitzroy and Hulbert 2005). Horizontal integration refers a diversification into different industries. Besides automobile, HMC broadens its business into different industries i.e. aviation business, solar cell business and household cogeneration units (HMC 2009). Honda product-related core competencies versus process-related core capabilities In practice, HMCs capability is as the main drivers for its shareholder values. Honda started with motorcycle business had move on to engine business and the most successful automobiles consists of 77 percent of its revenue. HMCs success underlying its core competence in engines design allows HMC to develop more products i.e. lawn mowers, motorcycles, automobiles and private jets (McGee and Thomas 2007). Substantial increase in fuel price, new customer preferences and spending patterns are a significant momentum to the pricing model and value proposition changes whereby consumers emphasize on good price for reasonable quality (Giesen et. al. 2010). As part of corporate strategy, Honda enhances its Research and Development (RD) particularly in safety technologies to help reduction on the risk of injuries to passengers and pedestrians from car accidents and fuel efficient cars, i.e. Honda Freed and Honda City. Honda recognises the rational to develop non-pollutions product in the first place than to clean up later. The electric car demonstrates a technological solution for the air pollution caused by automobile emission (Bernabo et. al. 2009). However, due to the charging centre constraints and maturity of the power supply capacity for longer journey, HMC focuses on its hybrid car Insight to meet the demand. Lean management focuses on eliminating waste (non-value adding activities) throughout HMC production systems (Chen et. al. 2010). By selective sharing of design development, HMC can focus resources and competencies on a limited set of innovative ideas and reduce their direct costs for innovating many of the components in their products (Chen et. al. 2010). A safety-induced crisis causes obvious problems for a brand like Honda which pride itself on reliability and the promise to deliver the power of dream(Banks 2010). HMC need both vendors and dealers to complete the complicated fabrication processes and reaches end consumers. In contrast to many competitors, HMC realises the importance of turning vendors into partners, loop the vendors into product design and development to shorten both new product lead time and reduce overall cost concerning the inventory holding (Nguyen and Slater 2010). The vendor development programmes include joint improvement, information sharing an updates, offer assistance to lift up vendors technical capabilities (Nguyen and Slater 2010). i.e. HMC make use of its vendor network to expand low price components accessibility in Vietnam had considerable reduce HMC production cost thus selling price (Oh and Rhee 2010). HMC factory networks operate the same way so each is able to make any vehicle in the product range according to market demand. This gives the company tremendous flexibility, efficient logistics to enhanced its manufacturing (Economist 2003). HMC installed special data systems in each of its factories to monitor weather forecasts to allows manager to predict bad weather which may affect deliveries so they can decide the stock up level to prevent material shortage (Economist 2003). To enhance the dealers ability, HMC trains and develops its dealer networks with operating procedures and policies in setting up the showroom, merchandising and service management (Oh and Rhee 2010). Honda Vietnam strict controls over vendors to ensure stable and good quality supply (Oh and Rhee 2010). Conclusion The analysis shows the density of HMC in managing its global organisation. Business strategies and corporate strategies are in different dimension but intimately link to each other, HMC needs to understand the external context of business when develop business and corporate strategies. HMC strengthen its production efficiency, flexibility and sales capabilities in various business units to meet the demand for cost effective products at the same time improve its corporate structure towards more flexible and dynamic to meet customers demand, business environment a society as a whole. There is no single best strategy applied for all products, Honda had demonstrated adequate thinking in developing suitable strategies for its products in different geographical areas. THE ROLE OF MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS Mergers and acquisitions act as a strategic tool to obtain wider market share and create synergies-improvements in competitiveness, customer value or product innovation that can be achieved by integrating two entities (Gadiesh et. al. 2001, Thompson et. al. 2005). The global automobile business faces severe challenges with reduction in sales and intense competition and opportunities in emerging markets, such as China and India. Network-level strategies is useful in turbulent and growth markets yet an organisation had limitations access or unable to pursue that competition by on its own (Cools and Roos 2005). Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix was used to analyse global automobile organisations positions (Figure 4). Figure 4 BCG.jpg MA in relation to too much debts and risk of bankruptcy One of the most important factors in mergers and acquisitions is debt and bankruptcy during recession (Cappell 2010). Organisation fall in BCG Dog category (Figure 4), i.e. Volvo, General Motors and Ssangyong are forced look for suitable partner to sustain its limited market share. A research carried out by Ostermann and Neal (2009) reveals that there were 25 automobile vendors are in the high debt and bankruptcy risk (Figure 5). Figure 5 25 Bankruptcy.jpg If a business unit no longer generate positive returns on investment for the organisation without massive investment, some organisation opt trade off the business unit and exit the industry (Lynch 2000). Ford Motor sold Volvo to China Geely at US$1.8 billion as part of Fords strategy of exiting European luxury lines to focus on Fords brand (Starbiz 2010). In the scramble to swap gas guzzlers for smaller vehicles thus reduction in use vehicle residual value forcing General Motors finance arm into huge losses on cars returned after leased (The Economist 2009). Ssangyong, formerly controlled by Chinas SAIC Motor Corporations was under bankruptcy protection in early 2009 due to cash shortage crisis to be acquired by Indian largest sport utility vehicles manufacturer, Mahindra (Bloomberg 2010). Mahindra gives Ssangyong financial supports, engineering and sourcing synergies (Bloomberg 2010). MA as a strategy to explore potential for product synergy To response to the zero COÂÂ ² emission, BMW, Daimler and General Motors formed an alliance in 2005 to develop hybrid vehicle technology. The ultimate solution to zero carbon dioxide emission is electric cars (Bernabo et. al. 2009). Nissan sees future trends towards electric car however electric cars design is highly challenging thus Nissan joint venture with NEC Tokin for synergy where NEC Tokin focuses on cell technology and electrode manufacturing so Nissan can concentrate in mass production (Taylor III 2010). Automobile organisations are focused on potential partners technological ability than cost savings achievement (Cappell 2010). PSA Peugeot produces diesel engines with Ford Motor (Financial Times n.d.). Ford Motor and Fiat share a manufacturing plant in Tychy, Poland to produce Ford smaller car, Ka and Fiat 500 (Financial Time n.d.). Daimler announced strategic partnership with Renault and Nissan to build small cars, engines and van together (Financial Times n.d.). In addition, as pressure on developed country manufacturers increases to reduce costs, they might look to China as sources of inexpensive manufacturing and might increasingly manufacture their cars in China and export them to developed countries (Fetscherin and Toncar 2010). General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are currently producing cars in China in joint ventures with Chinese manufacturers (Fetscherin and Toncar 2010). Many family-owned organisations i.e. PSA, BMW and Fiat are reviewing their portfolio and seeking restructuring alliances to lower cost in part purchase and spreading research and development cost however subject to Europe Union competition ruling (Czinkota and Ronkainen 2001). MA as means to access to new technologies and emerging markets Many organisations have responded to globalisation by looking at joint ventures with international partners when they needed to bridge a technology gap (Czinkota and Ronkainen 2001). A survey carried by KPMG in 2009 shows 85 percent of the automotive senior executives presumed new technologies is an influencing issue in global automotive industry (Chappell 2010). PSA Peugeot Citroen joint ventures with Toyota to produce small cars in the Czech Republic for achieve economies of scale (Financial Times n.d.). Chrysler builds minivans for Volkswagen in Winsor, Ontario since 2008 (Financial Times n.d.). Traditional automobile markets are still expanding but more importantly the emerging markets in China, India and Korea are expanding rapidly likely to enter the US automobile market (Fetscherin and Toncar 2010). Network level strategy plays an important role to uplift the competitive advantage to compete in automobile industry, especially Chinese automotive manufacturers who follow the footsteps of the Western, Japanese and South Korean car manufacturers. China automobile manufacturers will aggressively enter the US market by either exporting or by building their own production sites in the USA (Fetscherin and Toncar 2010). The implication of MA is to reduce threat while simultaneously capitalising on emerging market growth (Gill 2008). Acquisition of Ssangyong by Mahindra gives Mahindra an access to distribution networks of 1,300 dealers outside South Korea and Russia automotive market where previously Ssangyong exports vehicles (Bloomberg 2010). Conclusion Mergers and acquisitions had been widely practised in automotive industry due to the automotive manufacturing investment for new entry is huge and need years of experiences and expertise. Many joint ventures were found among automobile organisations aim to lower their production costs to make the selling price more competition; some merger strategy had achieved synergy in product design and development. In the turbulent economic environment, mergers and acquisitions give automobile organisations a quick fix and direct access to a growing market for more market share. Mergers and acquisitions are mainly creating value for mutual benefits to both parties. 4.0 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES The conventional business goal is maximising shareholders returns (Bonini et. al. 2006, Whittington 2001). However organisations are perceived as being socially responsible may create valuable market opportunities and increase more satisfied customers (Bonini et. al. 2006, Crane and Matten 2007). Davis (1973) stated that corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to organisations consideration on action that will accomplish environment social benefits and ethical responsibilities along with the financial gains which the organisation seeks (As cited in Hoffman 2007, Polonsky and Jevans 2009). CSR helps to improve employee engagement to strive for better management, declining in employee perceptions will leads to significant threats to engagement (Hall 2010). Organisations always have an implied contract to embraces a diverse range of stakeholders which may have different social interests (Bonini et. al. 2006, Polonsky and Jevons 2010). Organisations can opt to react, defence, accommodate and proactive towards CSR as part of global strategies. Being socially responsible important however organisations must make a conscious decision about the degree to which they then leverage their CSR activities, thus translating doing good into strategic benefit (Polonsky and Jevons 2009). The five global automobile organisations demonstrate adequate CSR initiatives to improve their brand standing in automobile industry (Appendix 2). The CSR actions had contributed both positive profits to Honda, Hyumdai, Toyota and Volkswagen, also a negative loss to Daimler even though Daimler pursing quite adequate CSR actions. Global automobile organisations are aiming to achieve the highest category of the CSR: Philanthropic responsibilities. The most common practices are social projects, donations and sponsorship (Hall 2010). CSR needs resources such as funds and employees participation. Organisations are facing dilemma to satisfy the stakeholders with different social interests (Polonsky and Jevons 2009). Some authors criticised that global automobile manufacturers who produce fuel guzzling SUVs for urban users at the same time promote fuel-efficient vehicles to public (Polonsky and Jevons 2009). CSR may not directly impact the organisations financial performance as revenue may be affected by other factors such as economic. However a significant observation from literature reviews that organisations are difficult to sustain or strengthen its market share standing if they are not socially responsible to the society, this may adversely affect their long term value, the brand, talent and relationship (Bonini et. al. 2006, Hall 2010, Piotrowski and Guyette 2010). WESTERN AND JAPANESE LEADERSHIP APPROACHES When automobile industry was leaded by Western countries, Western leadership by Frederick W. Taylor was widely applied in the automobile manufacturers such as General Motors and Ford (Darmody 2007). His idea of leadership was planning and decision making lies on management level while production workers only participate in predetermined executions to ensure efficiency (Almashaqba and Al-Qeed 2010, Darmody 2007). Western leadership was emphasised on efficiency to maximize profits. In Western leadership, the role and responsibilities, authority and accountability, procedures and practices between management and workers are formalized to avoid the conflict in the relationship (Almashaqba and Al-Qeed 2010). Japanese leadership deliberately stresses decentralized management structure, praises the achievements of individuals and gives rewards to outstanding performance (De Wit and Meyer 2004). Autonomy similar to trust in eastern countries, decentralization and rewards can improve employees morale thus productivity. Japanese leadership introduces lean strategy and just-in-time production techniques to achieve production flexibility without increasing indirect labor costs (Shadur and Bamber 1994). These provide automobile organisation to deliver what is expected by customers in just-in-time (Chen et. al. 2010). A research done by Abbggelen and Stalk (1985) shows that the United States automotive plants required 250 percent human resources compared to the Japanese plant to make similar vehicle (Shadur and Bamber 1994). Just-in-time approach is dependent on the balance between the vendors flexibility and users flexibility (Slack et. al. 2007). Parker and Slaughter (1988) comments that lean production is a intensifies the pace of work as the production is operated in closing to the breaking point without supporting buffers, organisation may face severe difficulty when there is a material shortage (As cited in Shadur and Bamber 1994). Some analysts see lean production techniques as merely a subtle form of management control (Mehri 2006, Shadur and Bamber 1994). Japanese leadership focuses on waste reduction and value-adding activities, these focuses are short-term benefits thus Japanese leadership may ignore long-term competitive advantages (Chen et. al. 2010). A recent qualitative research had lifted Japanese leaderships veil as limited potential for creativity and innovation, narrow professional skills, worker isolation and harassment, dangerous conditions on the production line, accident cover-ups, excessive overtime, and poor quality of life for workers (Mehri 2006). The Japanese and western leadership are different in process. There are pros and cons between Western and Japanese leadership and not single ultimate solution for automobile organisations in different geographical area, the leadership application is subject to the culture of the workforce, labour union and availability of resources i.e. logistic, material and expertise. Shadur and Bamber (1994) points out General Motors plants in Australia faces challenge when they started lean production due to the culture different from the labour union and employees who used to work in a team than individual. Although several criticisms of lean production were discussed, however it is concluded that Japanese leadership can potentially contribute to a substantial improvement in automobile manufacturing competitiveness. CONCLUSION Business strategy is about creating sharper scope focus on a business unit contrast with corporate strategy which concerned an overall portfolio of several business units a whole. HMC had strengthened both product-related core competencies and process-related capability to strive for excellence in HMC establishment as a responsible organisation. Mergers and acquisitions are very important to global automotive organisations for reduce the risk in bankruptcy, achieve cost reduction and production effectiveness and explore potential for new product and gives instant access to new technologies. Cost and stakeholders value is crucial consideration when organisations decide on the investment in CSR action plans since the financial returns are not easily measured. This report concluded that there are more advantages than disadvantages for CSR as strategic tool in global strategies. Both Western and Japanese leadership was develop in the different industrial time therefore some of the leadership element many not be suitable to automobile organisations such as mass production in low turnover season. There is no single definite answer to the best combination of leadership as application is based on culture, geographical and strong commitment from vendors to avoid production breakdown. LIST OF REFERENCES Almashaqba, Z. M. S. and Al-Qeed, M. A. N. (2010). The Classical Theory of Organisation and its Relevance. International Research Journal of Finance and Economics. Vol. 41. EuroJounals Publishing, Incorporated. Banks. T. (2010). Rescue remedies. Design Week. p.9. http://elib.segi.edu.my:2094/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1hid=15sid=d7731cd4-b9d9-417c-b0d0-7caa46ceba42%40sessionmgr10 [Accessed on 31st August 2010]. 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The Evasive Sonnet CXVI (116) Essay -- Sonnet 116 Essays

  Ã‚   In my survey of Shakespeare's Sonnets, I have found it difficult to sincerely regard any single sonnet as inferior.   However, many of the themes could be regarded as rather trite.   For example sonnet XCVII main idea is that with my love away I feel incomplete, sonnet XXIX says that only your love remembered makes life bearable, while sonnet XXXVIII makes the beloved the sole inspiration in the poet's life.  Ã‚   These themes recycled in love songs and Hallmark cards, hardly original now, would hardly have been any newer in Elizabethan England.  Ã‚   However the hackneyed themes of these sonnets is in a sense the source of their essence.   These emotions, oftentimes difficult to adequately articulate, are shared by all that have loved, been loved, lusted or been hurt in a relationship.   Still, it is certainly difficult to criticize Shakespeare's work as a whole.   One would only show his ignorance if he were to argue against Shakespeare's sophisticated style.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Far easier than finding inferior works from this cornucopia of verse would be to snatch and guard his more elaborate, brilliant works such as sonnet XVIII.   These lucky few need very little explanation for they speak for themselves.   Scholarly glosses, profound explanations, and critic's interpretations - needed in the more ambiguous sonnets - are not only unneeded in these sonnets but sometimes unwanted.   It is an insult to the intellect of the reader for a scholar to be as presumptuous with these jewels of verse to think that it needs someone asserting meaning ex cathedra.   They have their distinguished place because, after slow and careful reading, one may bask in meaning and beauty, contemplating the sonnets bearing on his life.   One does not need a critic to el... ...Linda Gregerson's explication of Sonnet 116.   http://www.the atlantic.com/unbound/poetry/soudings/shakespeare.htm. 8 I say that this is not a popular reading and not without error because I have not yet seen any scholarly work to confirm my reading of these lines.   In fact, I have seen much to contradict my assertion.   Helen Vendler notes that most readers, guided by the beginning of the sonnet, misinterpret it.   I agree with Vendler's assertion but not her reading (or other scholars for that matter), and hence I present my own.   9 Ingram and Redpath, 268. 10 Helen Vendler, The Art of Shakespeare's Sonnets (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1997) 489. 11 Booth, 385. 12 Booth, as well as Ingram and Redpath seem to be of this mind.   13 Lawrence Ferlinghetti, A Coney Island of the Mind (New York: New Directions, 1958) 30.   

Irish Immigration

When the Irish immigrated to the United States in 1850 after the great potatoes famine in Ireland, the Irish natives were poor and without money, although prejudice did not seem to affect the Irish they were subjected to prejudice and segregation. Because the Irish fit in with the white race upon entry to the United States they were not discriminated against like the African Americans and Asian immigrants who were often denied entry into the United States because of their color and ethnic characteristics.However the Irish were poor and forced to live in the filthiest neighborhoods and alleys most lived in basement or apartments that were not properly ventilated and damaged by sewage. The social status of the Irish forced them to take job that were often dangerous like building railroad, these people were forced to take these jobs because no employer would give an Irish man or women a decent job. At this time in history cites needed hard manual laborers because the Irish were unskille d and poor they worked for the lower wages other ethnic groups would not.People were threatened by the Irish because of their hard working ethnics and because of their catholic religion signs for employment would often say â€Å"Irish need not apply. † (Hy Kinsella, 1996-2010. para3. ) Catholic Churches were often burnt down and riots occurred protesting Irish Immigrants, America in the 1850’s recognized the Irish as poor, filthy criminal who would work for pennies, many feared their upward movement in society, but eventually the Irish overcame the new world that showed then so much prejudice and discrimination.After entering the county the Irish were not only affected by poverty and prejudice other events also plagued the Irish but some things moved the Irish up in society. The dual labor market affect the Irish, because employers were not willing to give uneducated and unskilled people†¦ During the 1800’s the Irish began arriving in the United States. In the 1820s there were 5 million Irish immigrants living in the United States. By the 1840s, almost half of all immigrants residing in the United States were Irish and only one-third by the 1850s (Kenny, 2008).The reception of the Irish from the native-born Americans was not one of warmth and acceptance. Fleeing Ireland was a matter of life and death for some. The quest for a better life was hindered by the â€Å"unwelcome† mat placed before them when they arrived (The History Place). During 1845 – 1849 was a period known as â€Å"The Great Famine† or â€Å"Great Hunger† in Ireland (University College Cork, Ireland). The potato, a main staple on which more than one-third of the Irish population relied upon to survive, was overcome by a fungus known today as â€Å"potato blight. Between 1846 and 1851 over 1 million Irish died of starvation and various hunger-related infectious diseases. Many of those deaths were of the poor. It was believed that the Ireland ’s Government had abandoned the people by not helping the hungry, yet continuing the exportation of food (University College Cork, Ireland). The Irish entered the United States through various routes. Some took the expensive US ships to Boston and some gained access by walking over the border into New York from Canada (University College Cork, Ireland).It was mostly poor refugees who were fleeing their famine stricken homeland and their slums of Ireland to come to America, only to face prejudice, discrimination, and hostile American nativists. (The History Place). Forced to live in basements, cellars, or one-room apartments, the Irish lived in their own section of each town, often referred to as Irish slums (The History Place). Landlords victimized the Irish settlers by charging $1. 50 a week for a small room. Single family homes were sub-divided into nine-by-eleven foot rooms with no water,†¦ Remember, remember always, that all of us†¦ are descended from immigrants and revolutionists. Franklin D. Roosevelt] Other factors that increased and reinforced this inflow were the decline in the birthrate as well as an increase in industry and urbanization in the United States. The United States, in the 19th Century, remained a strong magnet to immigrants, with offers of jobs and land for farms. Earlier immigrants considered that in America, the streets were, â€Å"paved with gold,† and at the same time as well as offerings of religious and political freedom. A German immigrant to Missouri wrote home about: â€Å"[The] abundance of overbearing soldiers, haughty clergymen, and inquisitive tax collectors†¦ During the years 1890-1924 the reasons for the immigration had a change from the past trends. The kinds of immigrants also changed. Jews came for religious freedom, Italians and Asians came for work and Russians came to escape persecution from the powers in their home country. The reason that America had jobs was still prevalent in this pe riod. America had religious freedom for the many people around those who were facing tyrannical situations from their respective countries. All these reasons were the cornerstone of the fact that America was called the â€Å"Land of Opportunities†. The Immigrants to the U. S. uring 1870 – 1920s There were mainly the Irish and British who immigrated to America during this time period. The circumstances in which the Irish immigrated to America were quite different from those of the British and they also differed in their impact on the U. S. One of the reason why the Irish immigrated to U. S was the potato famine that killed over a million. Apart from the famine conditions, the Irish were tired of the British rule in their country. The ordinary Irishman was under the tyrannical control of the British landlords. Ireland was a country of prolonged depression and social hardship during this period.Ireland was so ravaged by economic collapse that in rural areas, the average a ge of death was 19. Miller, Mulholland & Patricia show through intimate letters, journals, and diaries of actual immigrants, in the Journey of Hope how the Irish in America and their triumphant rise from adversity and prejudice to prosperity and prominence. The social class of majority of the Irish immigrants was tenant farmers. They did not have any expertise for farm work and were quite poor to but any land for themselves in America. They aged from teenager to young adult mainly from the Roman Catholic.The second largest inflow into America was from the British. The British immigrated to America for various reasons. Mostly professionals, independent farmers, and skilled workers, the British came to simply look for better opportunities of work. Most immigrants from Britain were fairly young and Protestant. Cinel has noticed that return migration to Italy from the United States from 1870 to 1929 took place. A large number of Italians did not intend to settle permanently in the Unite d States. Rather, they immigrated temporarily to the United States to make money in order to buy land in Italy.Order Your Custom Term Papers, College Essays and Research Papers After the Civil War of 1861, the immigration agents went to Europe to enlist recruits for the American Industrial army. In 1864 they legalized contracts by which immigrants pledged the wages of their labor for a term not to exceed twelve months to repay expenses of their journey to the U. S. This and other such moves were made to encourage the immigrants. But the year 1868 saw a repeal of the law. Even under the repeal of the law, the American Emigrant Company still imported laborers until 1865 when Congress made it unlawful.The immigrants who expected great work opportunities on American soil were also looked upon by the politicians as potential voters. There were classes of immigrants who were considered â€Å"voting cattle†. These cattle were used by their bosses to milk the plant of politics. Altho ugh the immigrant vote did not seriously affect the outcome of elections but it gave rise to a serious debate over the rights and interests of the immigrants. Telushkin states that the Jews first arrived to New Amsterdam in 1654 and then to the Lower East Side in the early 20th century. It was the diversity of the immigrants that J.Hector St. Josh de Crevecouer said, â€Å"What, then, is this new man, the American? They are a mixture of English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, Germans, and Swedes. From this promiscuous breed, that race, now called Americans, have arisen. † Unique Characteristics of America for the immigrants The main reason why most of the immigrants migrated was the tyrannical situations in their homelands. America was attractive because of the fact that young men were not forced to serve long years in the army. The immigrants had a genuine likeness for the land of opportunities, the U.S, since they could achieve what their parents could not. They also found i n America, a place where they could do whatever they wanted in the ideas of religion and politics. Laws Restricting Immigration There was a propaganda spread in the favor of laws restricting immigration as a means of protecting the American wage earned. The restrictions on the immigration started coming in from 1875. The first restriction of immigration was that of prostitutes and felons. In 1882 the government reacted to the anti-immigrant feelings and made more restrictions barring the insane, the retarded, and people likely to need public care.In 1892 the U. S further restricted the immigration of convicts, polygamists, prostitutes, people suffering from diseases, and people liable to public charges. Another reason that the leaders might have judged in those olden times is pointed out by Patrick J. Buchanan in his work. According to the author in The Death of the West is that the United States is no longer a healthy melting pot, but instead a confused, tottering â€Å"conglomera tion of peoples with almost nothing in common. † BIBLIOGRAPHY â€Å"America must be kept American† Quoted. President Coolidge signing Immigration Quota Law in 1924Quote on immigrant’s importance by Franklin D. Roosevelt The National Integration of Italian Return Migration, 1870-1929 by Dino Cinel The Death of the West: How Dying Populations and Immigrant Invasions Imperil Our Country and Civilization by Patrick J. Buchanan The Golden Land: The Story of Jewish Immigration to America: An Interactive History With Removable Documents and Artifacts by Joseph Telushkin Journey of Hope: The Story of Irish Immigration to America by Kerby Miller, Patricia Mulholland Miller, Patricia Muholland Miller Quote by J. Hector St. Josh de CrevecouerI chose the Italin ethnicity as the ethnic group that I feel like I am most related to. I researched determined that the itialins immigrated to the United States. I would her my great aunts and uncles talking about our family â€Å"com ing over on the boat† and I was so young I never really understood that saying until I was in school and learned about those type things. The Irish immigrated to the United States of America with promises of a better life. That was not the case upon arrival for the Irish settlers. They faced prejudice, segregation, and many other forms of discrimination.Their treatment was very poor and unwelcoming to say the least. The moment they stepped off the ships from Ireland, they were segregated into the most impoverished areas to seek shelter in slums and attempted to fit their entire families into rooms no bigger than today's average bedroom. As a group, the Irish were shunned and turned away from many job opportunities being confronted by signs which stated â€Å"Irish need not apply†. Being that the British still dominated the â€Å"New World†, the Irish was also prosecuted because of their Catholic religion.The Irish Americans were subjected to a dual labor market. During the late 1800's, after the first large Irish immigration into America, Irish immigrants were considered to be the poorest of all the immigrants coming into the United States. Because of the constant prejudice against Irish, they were kept at this poor standing by only being offered the lowest paying, and the most backbreaking jobs available, leaving the higher paying jobs for natural American citizens. â€Å"During the 1850's there was no group who seemed lower than the Irish.Some of this was due to poverty but the Irish were also considered bad for the neighborhood. The term Redlining did not come into use until after the Fair Housing Act of 1934. During the 1800's you could easily say the Irish were redlined. During the mid-1850's there was the Know Nothing movement. This movement was designed to keep Irish Catholics from holding public office; the opposition was by Irish Protestants. † (Kinsella, 1996) http://www. squidoo. com/irish-history-and-immigration-to-the-un ited-states Home  » Culture ; Society  » History Irish History and Immigration to the United StatesRanked #3,915 in Culture ; Society, #82,887 overall Through Their Eyes Shared, first-hand liver cancer  survivor stories through their eyes CancerCenter. com/CareThatNeverQuits Grants for Women You May Qualify for Grants to Earn  a Degree Online. Search Schools. EducationConnection. com/GrantsInfo UNICEF USA Monthly Giving Pledge Your Monthly Support and  Help UNICEF Save Children's Lives! www. unicefusa. org Explore Irish History and Cultural Values This page is an exploration of Irish culture and history, particularly in relation to the immigration to the United states.It includes documentaries about the motivating factors behind many Irish people immigrating to America during a relatively short period of time. This page focuses on some of the struggles that faced many immigrants, and how that has become a part of the American melting pot of cultures. The Irish people faced extreme difficulties moving across the ocean and setting up new lives in a new land. Despite many challenges, immigrants to the United States from Ireland and their descendants have made a rich and positive impact on US culture at large.Using both academic resources in cultural anthropology as well as entertaining and informative documentaries and music videos, you will find this lens interesting if you are doing research about Irish history. This lens contains many links and resources of interest to anyone doing genealogy research about Irish Americans. It's for Irish Folks, College and High School students writing papers, and anyone else interested. If you have related information or links you would like me to consider adding, feel free to comment or send me a message! 🙂 The image of the crowned harp is an Irish symbol I found on Wikimedia commons, attributed to Thomas Gun. Important! Economic and religious factors were the primary reasons for mass immigration from Irela nd to the united states, and the potato famine was an additional significant factor that helped trigger the sense of urgency to make the journey to America. Videos About Immigration to the United States from Ireland Over only a decade which followed the famine in the mid 1800s, more than a quarter of the Irish population left their homelands and relocated to the US, and many more followed.Despite hardships they made many great contributions to society in the U. S. . Irish Immigration by dudeguy006 | video info 65 ratings | 26,284 views A brief documentary on Irish Immigration to America, Reasons for leaving, life upon arrival, cultural contributions, and current immigration. curated content from YouTube The Primary Factors the Motivated Irish Immigration to the United States Desperate economic factors in Ireland made employment opportunities in a new land look golden. Religious persecution towards the Roman Catholic majority of Irish citizens inspired a desire for religious freedom and acceptance.Political unrest in Ireland made American democracy look attractive to Irish immigrants who hoped for a more fair political system in the US. The possibilities for the common man to become a land owner seemed more promising in the US to Irish immigrants. The Impact of The Potato Famine This single event triggered a mass imigration from Ireland to the United States. Poverty to a level of desperation and starvation became worse and worse during the 19th century in Ireland, which began to motivate large waves of immigration from Ireland to the united states in the mid 1800s.These economic conditions in Ireland were the result of a variety of factors, most importantly political domination by Britain and a dependency on one significant crop, the production of potatoes. The potato had become increasingly popular and created some significant population growth dispute political unrest and religious persecution. Potatoes became the center of Irish agriculture, because it was d iscovered that about twice as many potatoes could be grown in the same sized area as other crops might have been planted in.This allowed for the production of a healthy amount of food for the farmers, and a surplus that could be used as an economic asset. By 1830 35% of the irish population depended on the potato harvest, both as their primary food source and their source of work. This economic dependence on a particular crop led to a collapse in the economy of Ireland during the Potato Famine. This blight on the Irish potato crops was caused by an airborne fungus which caused the potatoes to become diseased. In September 1844 the potato crops were first discovered to be infected. By 1854 ? of Irish population had immigrated to the United States.This wave of mass immigration was given its sense of urgency by the potato famine; with underlying factors of poverty, religious persecution and political unrest. America must have seemed to faraway immigrants leaving from Ireland as a true chance at a decent life. It was believed that they could find good work in the United States, although arriving immigrants found it difficult to gain employment in many fields due to cultural prejudices. Still, in a land with no jobs and no food, the possibility of any hope in a new land seemed to many better than suffering the circumstances of life in Ireland at the time.It was believed that the common man had better possibilities not only in terms of gainful employment, but as future land owners. The United states was also seen as a place of religious freedom, and many immigrants left hoping to create a better life for themselves by escaping religious intolerance and persecution. Democracy, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance were factors that went beyond the purely economic I motivating the search for a new home in a new land. . Scholarly articles and Research about Irish Immigration The American WakeImmigrants leaving Ireland for the United states knew that they would pro bably never see their families or homeland again. The Irish Potato Famine One of the most signifigant social conditions in Ireland which increased the need for Irish citizens to seek a better future in another land. An Artice on Irish Imigration to the US on associated content Irish Famine A LOT of information The Journey to America A sholarly discussion on Irish Immigration. The Severity of the Famine was Devistating, and Could Have been Entirely Avoided The devastation of the potato famine is almost indescribable.There had been eight million people in Ireland at the time farmers began to discover that all but ten percent of their food crops had been infected. Most of their primary food source was simply gone, and by 1847 more than half of the population was entirely reliant on this crop. Soon, about three million people became dependent on government run soup kitchens for food. people began to starve to death. Because poverty was so severe, many of the families of the deceased cou ld not afford to bury their loved ones in coffins, and so they were laid to rest in shallow graves.The situation was so severe that countries all around the world heard of the plight of the Irish, and began to send aid. In a day and age without the means to communicate quickly over great distances, far away places like Barbados, Jamaica, Italy, and France began to get word, and tried to help the starving people. The gifts were many and generous, including over 200,000 pounds from the Quakers alone. With so much of the population affected by the potato famine, the donations were only able to go so far. People ate stale bread, and a little soup, if anything.An eighth of the population actually slowly starved to death, and not all nations were as kind and generous. Britain had political domination over Ireland. Absentee landlords from England owned much of the land that the Irish people lived and worked on. Rents were high, wages were low, and a significant portion of the crops were â €˜money crops' and belonged to the absent landlords. The most terrible and ironic fact about the potato famine is that during the blight Ireland still grew and was compelled to ship out enough food that the food needs of the whole country could have been covered by it.While the country was so desperately poor and without food, some ships cam filled with supply, but even more left with the meager good portions of the crops. This is one of the major factors in the animosity between the Irish and the English. Religious persecution had been a significant factor in the poverty and living conditions of the Irish, and was used as a form of political domination. Roman Catholics were forbidden by English law to do many things that might make them more able to become self-sufficient and rise up against the protestants who had allied themselves with the British.To retain economic control, the British contrived laws meant to keep the majority of the Irish people who were Roman Catholic from improving their lot. Roman Catholics were forbidden to read and write, or educate their children with any more skills than necessary to perform the laborious jobs the dominating overloads expected. Many of them chose to educate themselves in secret, at great risk. There are some letters from that time which survive, and those that took the risk to attempt to write and send them have created some surviving historical documentation the presents a bleak picture.The people were impoverished to begin with, and so the effects of the famine were disastrous. Many families had been struggling to pay their high rents to begin with, and had to go without many things to continue to have shelter. They had to kill what livestock they had for food, or sell it to come up with money for rent. There clothing was tattered, and poor protection during the colder months. When their crops failed, they often looked for more laborious jobs in work houses and on larger farms. In a weakened physical condition from lack of food, many became sick and unable to perform heavy labor.This led many of the people to become homeless. They were often evicted when they became unable to pay their rent, and often under dramatic circumstances. Sometimes the landlord would pull them out of their homes and destroy the house in front of them. These things happened even at the height of the potato famine, when many of the people forcefully thrown out of their homes were already starving and sick. Not only did the majority of the Irish suffer starvation and sickness, but in desperation many were convicted of small crimes such as poaching or stealing food from storehouses.This was treated as a very serious offense, without much leniency or understanding for the starving people who were being denied basic human rights. As a result, many of those convicted of these â€Å"crimes† were convicted and sent forcefully to Australia to do hard labor in prison camps. Most of those who were separated and sent away on Australian bound convict ships never saw Ireland or their families again. The English might have moved to aid faster as other countries did, but were reluctant. Not only were they importing food from a starving country, they declined to give much assistance for the people growing the food.It was believed that if they gave the Irish money, they would use it to buy weapons and revolt. The idea of providing them free food out of soup kitchens was also not popular with the English, who were concerned that they would become accustomed to the free food and become lazy and overly dependent. All the while, the Irish peasant farmers carried carts full of potatoes to be collected for the British, pulling them by hand without the aid of livestock. They suffered hard labor with little or nothing to eat, and had to deliver food to others while watching their families and their animals slowly starve to death.It was in this atmosphere that many chose to leave for other countries, knowing t hey would probably never see their families or their homeland again. . Videos About the Potato Famine in Ireland Warning, this stuff may make you weep, particularly the third video with the letters from the young Irish girl about the famine. Irish Famine film by worcesterjonny | video info 123 ratings | 69,939 views A short film produced by Pathe News around 1905 that brought attention to famine in Ireland in that year.The film has been altered and is used to draw similarities to the early famine of 1846-50. curated content from YouTube The American Wake An unusual tradition known as â€Å"the American Wake† happened daily across Ireland and continued for about 75 years. It was a somber fair well, among friends and loved ones before embarking on the journey of immigration across the ocean. Often more of a funeral than a celebration, the wake was held in order for adult children who were leaving to be able to mourn their parents funerals while they were still living.The emigra nt who was leaving would have visited friends and relatives prior to the wake, to tell the news of their plan for departure. All who were close would come the night before the immigrants departure, to say final goodbyes knowing that they would probably never see each other again. On the night of the wake, relatives and friends would spend time trying to impart their wisdom to the immigrant. They hoped life in the new land would be better for the person who was departing, but knew that the journey was risky and becoming established with little resources would be hard.Elder relatives took this moment to advise the emigrant, many of who were fairly young, on how to survive and make a life for themselves. In the most impoverished areas food sharing and refreshments were not offered, but a small amount of poteen might be brought and shared on rare occasions. In those areas worst effected their was generally no singing and dancing, and these gatherings were often filled with the wailing a nd lamenting of the women. Women were called upon to say a lament for the departing person and their families, much like one might speak of the departed in a modern funeral.In a wailing kind of speech, a woman would aquatint the listener with the personal story of the virtues of the departing person, how sadly their skills and virtues will be missed, and how terrible the grief and suffering of the parents and relatives is because of this need to say goodbye. In areas that were less poverty stricken, the American Wake included all of those elements, but was also a more festive occasion. There might be baking, cleaning, and preparation beforehand for a nice gathering. Visiting neighbors might also bring food, tea, stout, and other libations to share.The lamentations continued, but were also sometimes mingled with dancing and singing to celebrate the life of a loved one and hope for the future. These festivities would continue late into the night, when older people would sit near the h earth and tell stories to the young seated on the floor around them. The next morning they would accompany the young emigrant to the docks for their departure. Travel by sea was risky, and known to be frought with the potentials of sickness or shipwreck. Traditionally, relatives left behind promosed to pray for their safe passage and opportunities in America.Those departing promised to pray for a good harvest, for restoration of health and better times to their families and loved ones, and that they would keep Ireland forever in their hearts. Some found ways to communicate via letter across the expansive ocean, but with a high rate of illiteracy and the distance involved that only happened in the rarest and luckiest of cases. After a long trip by sea, the Irish found life in a new land to be difficult. Life in a new land was not easy for the Irish immigrants that made it across the ocean. Many of them, sadly, did not make it.Already in poor health and with little money, the conditio ns of travel were bad. The ships were overcrowded, didn't have enough supplys, and sickness took many of the passengers durring their three month journey. Many of the people who left Ireland never made it to the United States, in such grat numbers that the vessels carrying the immigrants became known as coffin ships. During the years of the famine boats constantly brought more refugees seeking a new home, the numbers totalling around a million within a decade. During the same period, around a million and a half died from starvation in Ireland.Upon arrival, the new immigrants had to find places to live and work. This was challenging, because the American people were overwhelmed with the volume of very poor newcomers. The Irish imigrants were primarily farm workers who were not accustomed to or prepared for the industrialized cities they came to settle in. Many potential employers hung signs that said things like â€Å"No Irish Need Apply†, because of prejudices against the Iri sh people who they believed to be lazy and unskilled. The work these immigrants had in Ireland had been primarily agricultural, while the American culture was focused on industrialized production of goods.The Irish were forced to take jobs that involved hard labor for low wages, usually in industries that were dangerous. After immigrating and setting up a meager home, many of the new immigrants died in jub related accidents while working in industries such as railroad building. This is a Verry Beautiful and Deeply Inspiring Book Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by: John O'Donohue Amazon Price: $8. 51 (as of 01/15/2012) The Irish People Have Made Many Great Contributions to American Society Music is one of the first things that may come to mind when you think of the impact of Irish Culture in America.There are many beautiful Irish songs, and the Irish people culturally are known to have produced many talented musicians and songwriters. One thing the Irish seem to value culturally m ore than some other peoples is music, and it's ability to carry a story in a memorable and beautiful way. For Irish immigrants, preserving and performing music from their country of origin was both a way to feel at home and to share a sense of that with others. This tendency to appreciate and cultivate musical and artistic talents also helped to pass down historical lessons and cultural perspectives from one generation to the next.Irish music is known for rich artistic imagery, and storytelling in both serious and comic ways. This first video of ‘Oh Danny Boy' shows some very beautiful photography of the Irish countryside. Can you imagine the newly immigrated people, remembering these places and knowing they would probably never see them again? Wanting to share these memories with their children in a new country was part of what motivated this sharing of oral history in song. The second version, chillingly beautiful and different, features Johnny Cash. . Danny Boy Ireland by t ubelookjohn | video info ,010 ratings | 5,170,337 views http://www. lookaroundireland. com see the beautiful scenery of Ireland while listening to the tenor voice of Michael Londra http://www. michaellondra. com curated content from YouTube Johnny Cash and Jimmie Rodgers : Danny Boy Johnny Cash & Jimmie Rodgers – Danny Boy by Carters01 | video info 470 ratings | 564,898 views Johnny Cash & Jimmie Rodgers – Danny Boy curated content from YouTube Books About Irish History Top of Form Search Amazon. com Bottom of Form Showing 1 – 6 of 50 results A Reading Book in Irish History P. W.Joyce (Paperback – Sep 19, 2010) $18. 88 A Reading Book in Irish History Irish history and the Irish question Goldwin Smith, Hugh J McCann (Paperback – †¦ $21. 85 In Search of Ireland's Heroes: The Stor†¦ Carmel McCaffrey (Paperback – Oct 26, 200†¦ $14. 68 Irish History and the Irish Question The History of the Great Irish Famine of†¦ John O'rourk e (Paperback – Sep 5, 2010) $39. 35 12345> Privacy Like Music, Dance is an Art form that can Share a Story with Feeling The Irish have made significant contributions to the arts not only in music, but in writing, theater, and dance.As another art form, dance can be unique and expressive, and may tell a story and share feeling and ideas. Even now, the Irish influence on dance and storytelling can be strongly felt in America. The popularity of dance troupes that do Irish style dancing has only increased over time. Modern groups like River Dance sometimes retell moment in Irish history, such as in this clip, which shows a dance about the â€Å"American Wake† and immigration to the Americas as the potato famine effected Ireland. Riverdance American Wake by thunderceltic | video info 418 ratings | 182,462 views riverdance live from geneva urated content from YouTube Other Great Lenses about Irish History and Immigration to the U. S. The Great Irish Famine A Monument to the Great Famine IN THE shadow of Ireland's â€Å"holy† mountain, Croagh Patrick, stands a most unusual ship. It looks like a small 19th-century sailing†¦ Guestbook submit Reply JoshK47 Oct 17, 2011 @ 11:32 pm | delete Great work on this lens! Very good information! Reply kimmanleyort Aug 20, 2011 @ 7:54 am | delete Very thorough lens on Irish immigration and the potato famine. This is a subject near and dear to my heart as my ancestors came from Ireland to Quebec in the mid-1800's.Have you read the historical novel, Galway Bay? It gives a look at one family's experience and is riveting. I even did a lens on it. Well done and blessed! Reply GetSillyProductions Apr 18, 2011 @ 1:40 pm | delete accurate history and great video of Johnny Cash. two thumbs up Reply jackiebolen Mar 21, 2011 @ 9:26 pm | delete Very informative! Well done 🙂 Reply KEELACOM Mar 20, 2011 @ 9:43 am | delete That was one of the most informative pieces I have come across on Irish Immigration to th e US. I have you as a link on my lens (http://www. squidoo. com/videos_of_Ireland) in the hope others will read it.As an Irishman living in Co Clare where the famine did untold damage, I just want to say keep up the great work. Reply LadyJasmine Mar 20, 2011 @ 2:12 pm | delete Thanks very much, I appreciate it. 🙂 Reply SquidooKimberly Mar 17, 2011 @ 11:38 pm | delete I never understood the facts but the movies always made it seem like Irish immigrants had it rougher than other cultures. Thanks for all the great history! Congrats on being on the Best of St. Patrick's Day lenses 2011! http://www. squidoo. com/monsterboards/best_st_patricks_day_2011 Reply LadyJasmine Mar 20, 2011 @ 1:55 pm | delete Oh, wow, cool! :- Thanks Kimberly!Reply KimGiancaterino Mar 17, 2011 @ 11:19 pm | delete My great-great grandparents were Irish immigrants and times were very tough for them. It's hard to even read about what those people endured. Happy St. Patrick's Day. Reply d-artist Mar 11, 2011 @ 3:30 pm | delete Very interesting lens, being an immigrant myself I understand struggles, but this is heart wrenching†¦ I just recently saw on TV a documentary about this very subject Load More Show All Share this Guestbook Stumbleupon Facebook MySpace Twitter Digg Delicious RSS Email Donations WiserEarth is the online social forum and directory for  sustainability.We help the global movement working toward social  justice and environmental stewardship collaborate, share knowledge,  and build alliances. 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Explore related pages The Importance of Integrity The Importance of Integrity Top Research Paper Websites for Kids Top Research Paper Websites for Kids The Great Irish Famine The Great Irish Famine Irish Slaves in the Caribbean Irish Slaves in th e Caribbean Unique Gift Ideas for Teachers 2012 Unique Gift Ideas for Teachers 2012 Irish Fiddle: Traditional Irish Instrumental Music Irish Fiddle: Traditional Irish Instrumental Music Beautiful Claddagh RingLWRS043-7 Nickel Free Sterling Silver Irish Claddagh Friendship and Love Band Polished Finished Ring Size 7 Amazon Price: $16. 99 (as of 01/15/2012) Saphire Claddagh Ring Sterling Silver Blue Sapphire Heart CZ Claddagh Ring Sizes 4 to 9, 7 Amazon Price: $34. 99 (as of 01/15/2012) Anam Cara by John O'Donohue Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by: John O'Donohue Amazon Price: $8. 51 (as of 01/15/2012) Related Tags Irish History history college college writing cultural anthropology emmigration history immigration immigration history rish irish dancing irish immigrants irish immigration to the united states irish music irish people melting pot potato famine reaserch writing research paper scholarly research LadyJasmine more†¦ TOS Originality Pact About Us SquidooHQ Charity Rep ort Abuse Feedback ; Bugs Copyright  © 2012, Squidoo, LLC and respective copyright owners This page and all the pages on Squidoo generate income for lensmasters and charities based on affiliate relationships with our partners, including Amazon, Google, eBay and others.Have fun. 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Facts About the Olympian God Hermes

There are 12 canonical Olympian gods  in Greek mythology. ​Hermes  is one of the gods who live on Mount Olympus and ruled over parts of the mortal world. Lets delve into the role of Hermes in Greek mythology regarding his relationships with other gods and what he was a god of. To learn more about the other 11 Greek gods,  check out  Fast Facts About the Olympians. Name Hermes is the name of a god in Greek mythology. When the Romans adopted aspects of the Ancient Greek belief system, Hermess was renamed, Mercury.   Family Zeus and Maia are the parents of Hermes. All the children of Zeus are his siblings, but Hermes has a special younger-brotherly relationship with Apollo. Greek gods were far from perfect. In fact, they were known to be flawed and to have many sexual affairs with gods, nymphs, and mortals alike. The list of Hermess mates include Agraulos, Akalle, Antianeira, Alkidameia, Aphrodite, Aptale, Carmentis, Chthonophyle, Creusa, Daeira, Erytheia, Eupolemeia, Khione, Iphthime, Libya, Okyrrhoe, Penelopeia, Phylodameia, Polymele, Rhene, Sose, Theoboula, and  Thronia. Hermes fathered many children, who are Angelia, Eleusis, Hermaphroditos, Oreiades, Palaistra, Pan, Agreus, Nomios, Priapos, Pherespondos, Lykos, Pronomos, Abderos, Aithalides, Arabos, Autolycus, Bounos, Daphnis, Ekhion, Eleusis, Euandros, Eudoros, Eurestos, Eurytos, Kaikos, Kephalos, Keryx, Kydon, Libys, Myrtilos, Norax, Orion, Pharis, Phaunos, Polybos, and Saon. Role of Hermes For human mortals, Hermes is the god of eloquence, commerce, cunning, astronomy, music, and the art of fighting. As a god of commerce, Hermes is also known as the inventor of the alphabet, numbers, measures, and weights. As the god of the art of fighting, Hermes is a patron of gymnastics. According to Greek mythology, Hermes also cultivated the olive tree and provides refreshing sleep as well as dreams. Additionally, he is the herdsman of the dead, the protector of travelers, the giver of wealth and luck, and he protector of sacrificial animals, among other things. For gods, Hermes is credited with inventing divine worship and sacrifice. Hermes is the herald of the gods.