Page "Italian American" Paragraph 13

The newly created Italian constitution, drafted after unification in 1861, heavily favored the North.

This caused economic conditions to considerably worsen for many in southern Italy and Sicily.

Heavy taxes and other economic measures imposed on the South made the situation virtually impossible for many tenant farmers, and small business and land owners.

Multitudes chose to emigrate rather than try to eke out a meager living.

Often, the father and older sons would go first, leaving the mother and the rest of the family behind until the male members could afford their passage.