Portugal, the Azores and Madeira. The Azores are a series of nine islands in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean. The Madeira are an archipelago of islands off the coast of Africa, including Madeira and Porto Santo. This analysis will discuss Portuguese immigration on a broad scale before investigating the immigration of the Azoreans to California and New England. The Azoreans are the focus of this study because, even though census data made no distinction between the islands, Madeira or mainland Portugal (everyone was “Portuguese), records show the predominant number of immigrants to America were from the Azores, “In the case of the Azoreans, if any Azorean distinction was being made at the time of census collection, many immigrants just considered themselves ‘Portuguese’ when the question was asked about their country of origin. It is safe to assume, however, that at least 80%, if not higher, were from Azores which is confirmed by county, state, and regional historical accounts” (Azorean Immigration 4). For both Portuguese immigrants and the detailed Azorean analysis, the push-pull factors behind their immigration to America will be addressed. Further, the obstacles and triumphs of the Portuguese in general and those of the Azoreans in New England and California will also be included. A conclusion will address the values and cultural contributions made to American culture as a result of this heavy wave of immigration and eventual assimilation of the Portuguese-Americans.
Other than America, Brazil was the favorite destination of immigrants from Portugal during the time period in discussion. There were many push-pull factors that prompted the Portuguese to strike out for America. Heavy population density created lack of economic opportunity and eventually resulted in large numbers of people starving to death when the country was racked by natural disasters in the early to mid-1800s which also devastated the local ...