Overview
The first large-scale immigration by Ukrainians to the United States coincided with the rise of industrialization in the late 1800s. Upon arriving in America, many Ukrainians took jobs in the coal mines of Pennsylvania but also worked in the foundries and steel mills of such cities as Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. After the Soviet Union formally took control of Ukraine in 1922, the number of Ukrainian immigrants tapered off. During this period of Communist rule, the majority of Ukrainian immigrants were displaced persons, or DPs, who had fled Ukraine and had spent time in post-World War II refugee camps. Since Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, approximately 200,000 Ukrainians have settled in the United States.About the Author:
John Radzilowski is adjunct professor of history at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota
Synopsis
The first large-scale immigration by Ukrainians to the United States coincided with the rise of industrialization in the late 1800s. Upon arriving in America, many Ukrainians took jobs in the coal mines of Pennsylvania but also worked in the foundries and steel mills of such cities as Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. After the Soviet Union formally took control of Ukraine in 1922, the number of Ukrainian immigrants tapered off. During this period of Communist rule, the majority of Ukrainian immigrants were displaced persons, or DPs, who had fled Ukraine and had spent time in post-World War II refugee camps. Since Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, approximately 200,000 Ukrainians have settled in the United States.
About the Author:
John Radzilowski is adjunct professor of history at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota
Children's Literature
Ukrainians have been immigrating to the United States since before the American Revolution. Some cities, such as Pittsburgh, still have Ukrainian areas that maintain a strong sense of their culture. As the Ukraine has a long, tumultuous history of being controlled by various countries such as Russia and Austria, it is not surprising that many citizens wished to leave the unstable country, especially after it came under communist rule. While most Ukrainians were farmers in their home country, once they came to North America they worked at many jobs, including coal mining and factory work. Once in America, the Ukrainians maintained many traditions, such as caroling at Christmas and making pysanky at Easter, as well as keeping their own churches in many areas. Over the years, Ukrainians established their own fraternal organizations, art centers, festivals, and literature. In recent years, Ukrainians have been able to maintain stronger ties with the Ukraine, especially after the fall of communism. While immigration for Ukrainians is certainly easier now than it was a hundred years ago, many enjoy the ties to their homeland that have been established in North America. Part of "The New Immigrants" series, this is an excellent resource about both the country and its emigres.