In the 1820s, Boston's population grew rapidly, and the city's ethnic composition changed dramatically with the first wave of European immigrants. Irish immigrants dominated the first wave of newcomers during this period, especially following the Irish Potato Famine; by 1850, about 35,000 Irish lived in Boston. In the latter half of the 19th century, the city saw increasing numbers of Irish, Germans, Lebanese, Syrians, French Canadians, and Russian and Polish Jews settled in the city. By the end of the 19th century, Boston's core neighborhoods had become enclaves of ethnically distinct immigrants—Italians inhabited the North End, Irish dominated South Boston and Charlestown, and Russian Jews lived in the West End. Irish and Italian immigrants brought with them Roman Catholicism. Currently, Catholics make up Boston's largest religious community, and since the early 20th century, the Irish have played a major role in Boston politics—prominent figures include the Kennedys, Tip O'Neill, and John F. Fitzgerald. COUNT 5
QSN1 How did Boston's population change in the 1820's? ANS1 Boston's population grew rapidly QSN2 The first Europen immigrants arrival changed what in Boston? ANS2 the city's ethnic composition QSN3 What was the estimated population of Irish people living in Boston in 1850? ANS3 about 35,000 QSN4 What religion did Irish and Italian immigrants bring with them to Boston? ANS4 Roman Catholicism QSN5 What is Bostons largest religious group today? ANS5 Catholics