Background Information
World War 1 was from July 28, 1914 to November 11, 1918. At the time, the present-day country of Croatia was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This empire was a large multi-ethnic and multi-cultural empire with different languages and religions that ultimately was broken up after WWI. During WWI, Croatian citizens served in the armed forces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but there was also a large number of Croatian citizens who immigrated to the United States.
Official Data
According to the 1920 U.S. Census, 150,704 Croatian immigrants arrived in the United States in the 10-year period between 1910 and 1919, which made Croatian the fifth largest immigration group from the Austro-Hungarian Empire during WWI. Another source which shows the number of Croatian citizens who left their country to come over to the US in WWI is a book from 1937 whose author was a professor at the University of Zagreb. This book estimated that over 250,000 Croatian citizens came to America during WWI, starting from the year 1914. The vast majority of these immigrants were men and women between the ages of 16 and 45.
Contemporary Experts’ Perspectives
Contemporary research from historians lays emphasis on the effects of the First World War as well as the economic instability it had on Croatian people’s decision to emigrate overseas. The economic effects of the First World War and the Great Depression of the 1930s caused a significant improvement in the living standards in America. This meant that entering the US job market was a particularly attractive proposition for people living in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and many Croatians took the opportunity.
Personal Insights
In my point of view, WWI persuaded a lot of people of this region to migrate to the United States. Their homeland was in political and economic chaos after the war, and they decided to move abroad for a better future for their families. Immigrants had to leave their homes and families in order to make the dangerous journey to the US. The majority of these immigrants, however, were able to establish new lives in their new country and find success.
Configuration of Croatian Migration
Most immigrants from specific regions of present-day Croatia migrated to several locations in the United States of America. Prior to WW1 the majority of Croatian immigrants from then-Austro-Hungarian Empire went to the Midwestern and Northern states like Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. During WW1, this trend started to change as many immigrants from Croatia settled in the Deep South and the Eastern Seaboard such as South Florida, and New York.
Integration into American Society
Croatian Americans were able to integrate into American society without much difficulty as they mostly sought job opportunities, political and religious freedom, and education. During WW1 immigrant numbers in the United States changed as previously noted. The average immigration rate of Croatians to the US in WW1 was between 10-20 thousand per year, and most immigrant men went directly into the mines to work, and some even joined the military to fight in the war. The main immigration of Croatians to the US however, took place around 1920 to 1940.
Economic Opportunities
The primary drive for Croatian immigrants arriving in the US in WW1 was the search for economic opportunities. Many immigrants were farmers wanting to buy their own land, find factory or mining jobs, and raise cattle. These economic opportunities as well as political and religious freedoms and access to secure education became attractive for many immigrants coming to the US.
Conclusion of WW1
WW1 was a turning point in Croatian immigration. As hundreds of thousands of Croatians left their country for the promise of opportunities and a better life in America, their experiences started to shape and form the experiences of generations of Croatian Americans. People from all backgrounds made the journey to the US to make a better life for themselves and their families.
Post WW1 Migration
Following WW1 the number of immigrants from Croatia started to increase rapidly as access to and opportunities in America began to be spread through the Croatian community. Croatian immigrants became some of the most successful businessmen in America and established small businesses, farms and ranches, and became successes in the entertainment and education sectors in the United States.
Political Contributions of Croatians
In the years following WW1, Croatians in the United States have made a number of political contributions. These contributions include Croatian loyalty to the Republican Party and service in the military. Croatians also played a part in the establishment of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
Religious Diversity
The majority of immigrants from Croatia to the United States were Roman Catholics but there was also a sizeable presence of Eastern Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, and Protestant immigrants. Over the years, Croatian American communities have been defined by their religious diversity as much as their political allegiances.
Socio-cultural Events
One of the great legacies of the Croatian American communities is the development of a vibrant culture. Croatians have established a great number of clubs, organizations, newspapers and festivals to celebrate their heritage and traditions. These events offer a chance for Croatians in the US to celebrate and share their culture with their American neighbors.
Croatian Music and Art
Art and music are an important element of any culture and Croatian culture is no exception. Croatians have a rich tradition of music and art that has been preserved and passed down through generations. In modern times, the music and art styles of Croatia have been adapted to reflect current trends and influences.
Famous Croatian Americans
Over the years, Croatians have made a name for themselves in the US in a variety of fields. These individuals have achieved great success in science, medicine, literature, business, politics, music, and sports. Gore Vidal, Nikola Tesla, Bill Viola, and Buzz Aldrin are just some of the famous Croatian Americans in the US.
