Serbian Immigration Essay

Serbian Immigration

Immigration of Serbians to America in substantial numbers began in 1880, and once they arrived most settled in Chicago. Many Serbians that settled in America between 1880 and 1914, leaving their country because they suffered and were persecuted because of their affiliation with the Serbian Orthodox Church. Also, young Serbians fled from three years of military service in the Austro-Hungarian army, therefore immigrating to America to avoid conscription. Many potential emigrants received invitation from relatives who had gone to America earlier, as well as gifts and money for the fare, these people set out to be reunited once more with their families in this promising land.

When the first immigrants set foot on American

in 1869 were neither economic nor political. Arriving in Chicago with two close Serbian friends, all three were young and adventurous. Unlike his friends, Jovanović was keen on advancing his education, so he spent a year studying in Chicago before moving to other universities in New York. While his two friends settled in the new country, Jovanović eventually returned to Serbia, where he lectured and worked as a journalist. In December 1894, Jovanović, also known as “the American,” delivered an interesting lecture at the University of Belgrade. On this occasion, he shared his experience of America with an audience eager to know more about this far-away country. By this time, the U.S. had become the most attractive destination for thousands of European immigrants seeking democracy and economic opportunities. Due to this interest, Jovanović’s lecture was published in Belgrade the following

In this context, he draws an interesting comparison: just like America, Serbia can strive and grow in moral strength, labor, and the love of its people. In a reference to Serbian history, he points out how difficult it was for the small Serbian nation, subjugated for centuries and reduced to utter poverty, to rise towards freedom and progress. The Serbs had not only restored their freedom, but had also resurrected their state that had been “entombed” for centuries.

In his book The Phoenix City, he refers to the rebirth of Chicago from the ashes of the great fire that swept through the city in 1871, the year Jovanović was there as a student. Jovanović was amazed at the reconstruction and growth of the city. He wrote how Chicago had risen like a phoenix on the wings of “labor” and “order.” Jovanović emphasized that the reason why he eulogized the people of Chicago was their moral fortitude rather than the physical strength necessary to rebuild the