America became a land of factories, businesses, and industrial workers. Rising immigration to the United States provided workers for many industrial companies. There was an explosion of population growth in major American cities, places with populations of 100,000 grew from about 6 million to 14 million between 1880 and 1900, the cities had become a world of newcomers. The country's transformation from a rural agricultural society to an urban industrial nation attracted immigrants from around the world. Some of the largest immigrant groups to come to the United States were the Irish and Italians. Irish and Italian immigrants to America were both so different and so similar. Both parties faced harsh oppression, shared similarities, and lived contrasting lives in America. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Irish were victims of oppression in America due to their poor living conditions and willingness to work for low wages. Their oppression was often compounded by religious conflicts. At the time when Irish immigrants were immigrating, there was a lot of tension between Protestants and Catholics. The tension between these two groups has led to verbal attacks and often led to mob violence. In 1831, a group of Protestants burned down St. Mary's Catholic Church in New York, and later in May 1844, the Philadelphia nativist riots began, leaving thirteen people dead. Italian immigration began in the 1880s and 1924, during this period anti-immigration sentiment persisted among some large groups of Americans, making it more difficult for immigrants arriving in America. Italian immigrants were accused of taking American jobs due to the United States' economic depression. During the 1880s, anti-immigrant societies sprang up across the country. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan saw their membership increase during these years. Catholic churches and charities were vandalized and burned, and Italians were attacked by mobs. In the 1890s alone, more than 20 Italians were killed. One of the worst acts of violence against Italian immigrants occurred in New Orleans in 1891. When the police chief was found dead in the street one night, the mayor blamed "Sicilian gangsters." and brought together more than 100 Sicilian Americans. Ultimately, 19 Sicilian Americans were arrested and brought to trial, and before the nervous eyes of Italian Americans across the country, they were found not guilty due to lack of evidence. Unfortunately, before any of them could be released, a mob of 10,000 people, including many of New Orleans' most influential citizens, broke into the prison and killed them. When the news broke, Italians, not only in America, but around the world, were furious that such a horrible thing could have happened. However, the American press supported the action and did not blame anyone. Even though the Irish and Italians came at different times, they shared various similarities, but they were very different. The main factor that influenced the Irish to immigrate to America was the potato famine. The potato famine began when a fungus-like organism called Phytophthora infestans grew rapidly across most of Ireland, infesting its crops. The infestation destroyed more than three..