Italian American

Italian American refers to an ethnic group of Americans who have full or partial ancestry from Italy. Italian Americans are the seventh largest Census-reported ethnic group in the United States (which includes both those of full or partial Italian ancestry reported and those who do not report ethnicity).

History

Italian immigration to the United States started as early as the 1820s. The largest wave of Italian immigration occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Southern Italy was plagued by political instability, economic decline and overpopulation. Many Italian immigrants were drawn to the United States by the promise of better economic opportunities.

Culture

Italian Americans have significantly influenced the culture and society of the United States. Contributions can be found in a variety of fields, such as politics, the arts, science, and sports. Italian Americans have also played a significant role in the development of American cuisine, particularly in the creation of pizza and pasta dishes.

Cuisine

Italian American cuisine is a style of cooking derived from Italy, adapted and evolved by Italian Americans. It has had a significant impact on American cuisine, with dishes such as pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and lasagna becoming staples in the American diet.

Notable Italian Americans

There are many notable Italian Americans who have made significant contributions to American society. These include inventor and engineer Guglielmo Marconi, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

See also

• Italian American cuisine
• Italian American culture
• Italian American history
• List of Italian Americans