When businesses advertised “Irish Need Not Apply,” they were practicing DISCRIMINATION.
The largest wave of Irish immigrants to the United States began in the 1840s. Between 1846 and 1854 more than two million Irish people immigrated to the United States.
Irish immigrants were largely pushed out of their homeland by the potato blight which was a fungus that ripped through the potato crop. It began in 1846 and within five years, between 500,000 and one million people had died of starvation.
Given the choice between starvation at home and leaving for the United States, two million people chose to emigrate. Most of them were poor farmers and their children. By 1850, more than one-fourth of the population in cities such as New York, Toronto, Chicago, Boston, and Baltimore was Irish.
But in general, the poorest of Irish citizens unable to afford the fare to Canada or The United States went to England.
Those Irish citizens who moved to England and settled in London faced discrimination in housing and employment. The immigrants who were seeking jobs were offered lower wages and poor working conditions; at times, they were denied employment altogether, being told that "No Irish Need Apply."
Besides, there is a popular song from the 1860s, sung in taverns and halls that tells the story of such discrimination .
I'm a simple Irish girl, and I'm looking for a place
I've felt the grip of poverty, but sure that's no disgrace
'twill be long before I get one, tho' indeed it's hard I try
For I read in each advertisement, "No Irish need apply."
Alas! for my poor country, which I never will deny
How they insult us when they write, "No Irish need apply."
Now I wonder what's the reason that the fortune-favored few
Should throw on us that dirty slur, and treat us as they do
Sure they all know Paddy's heart is warm, and willing is his hand
They rule us, yet we may not earn a living in their land….
Ah! but now I'm in the land of the "Glorious and Free,"
And proud I am to own it, a country dear to me
I can see by your kind faces, that you will not deny
A place in your hearts for Kathleen, where "All Irish may apply."
Then long may the Union flourish, and ever may it be
A pattern to the world, and the "Home of Liberty!"
