The Armenian Genocide In The 20th Century

The Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th century, resulted in a major exodus of nearly an entire population. This event is still largely ignored by the Turkish government, those responsible for the horrific incident that led to the deaths and deportations of millions of Armenians. Throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century, Armenians were pushed from their native origins in Turkey as a result of a brutal genocide, which consequently led to their escape to the United States to seek a better life through economic opportunities and avoiding persecution.

Armenians experienced push factors to immigrate to America through the opportunity of a better life as well as the influx of new economic prospects. In the 16th century,

Between 1899 and 1917, fifty-five thousand Armenians arrived in the United States and in 1920, more than ten thousand Armenians were allowed to settle in the United States, which was the highest amount admitted at once (Peterson 152). Armenians mostly moved to the cities of the Northeast, where they soon constructed their distinguished churches and community centers (O’Grady 77). At the premise of the Genocide, young Armenian men would leave their homeland as the head of the family to create a financially stable living, then provide safe passages for their relatives and friends to join them in the United States (Peterson 26). It has been recorded that 90% of Armenian immigrants joined their families and friends that had traveled to America earlier (Takooshian). While many Armenians began work in New England factories, others drifted to New York to establish small businesses for both the Armenian and non-Armenian populace. For instance, it has been recorded that many Armenian immigrants opened businesses in Massachusetts, such as the Ararat Grocery Company (Dartmouth). Armenia shared similar values as the United States, so it was not difficult to integrate themselves into the American lifestyle. Since the 1800s, Armenians made a smooth entrance into the United States’ society and were well-liked by Americans because of their reputation as a diligent, religious, family-oriented, economical,

The Armenian flight to the United States brought success as an ethnic minority, where, despite their challenges of the journey itself and ethnic discrimination, they assimilated themselves and found triumph in the American economy. This solidified society, which values their culture and history, evolved from poor laborers to respected professionals in the United States. Armenian immigration of the early 20th century created a shared civilization in the heterogeneous American society that still thrives