Illinois

Immigrant Networks

In the 19th century, Mormon pilgrims, originally from the eastern United States, settled in Nauvoo, Illinois. Mormon networks had significant influences in the region for a time. Eventually, these social networks spread west to Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The Mormon community flourished in Illinois up until 1844, when their leader Joseph Smith was murdered in Nauvoo. Around the same time, on the northeastern tip of Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, a vibrant city was emerging. Chicago with its growing industry was becoming a commercial hub in the United States. Networks of trade and communication were established where goods and ideas moved almost seamlessly through the city and state. Networks of labor also flourished as industry grew, which gave rise to organized labor unions. Labor strikes such as Pullman and the Haymarket inspired the development and spread of labor networks across Illinois and the United States. Since that time, unions flourished in a variety of industries in Illinois. Today, modern-day social networks of unions and organized labor continue to have a strong presence in Illinois.

For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants flocked to Illinois in hope of finding social and economic opportunities. Many of these immigrants sought to maintain their ethnic identities while adopting the ways of their newfound nation by using established social networks and creating networks of their own. Jane Addams and the Hull House, for example, helped new immigrants gain the necessary training and education needed to find work. Some immigrant groups later established networks of their own to help serve the needs of their community members. Greek immigrants opened schools where both Greek and English were taught. Groups like the Poles, Germans, Irish, and Italians created their own community organizations and community centers to help support their fellow community members. Local newspapers were also published in various ethnic languages as a means to help newcomers connect to their local communities. According to 2007 census estimates, 21.1 percent of Illinois's population claim to be of German ancestry, 13.3 percent Irish, 7.9 percent Polish, 6.7 percent English, 6.4 percent Italian, and 2.2 percent Swedish. Modern-day ethnic social networks continue to have a rich history in Illinois. Today new groups from Asia, Africa, and Latin America have created social networks of their own to help support their members.

...