Push Factors
There were many reasons why Italians migrated. One of many reasons is that Italy had a huge economic problem. The agricultural economy was unable to support the high population. The spread of Turkish power stopped trade with the Orient, which was an important source of money. Due to geographical discoveries which opened cheaper routes to the east, trade was also restricted. Southern Italians worked for long days and was paid low. The upper classes of Italy had low shares of taxes compared to everyone else’s and they were not prepared to pay their fair share. As the economic problems worsened, the word spread of the opportunities to be had in North and South America. A 1911 census indicated that the population of Italian origin in Canada reached 46 000. Out of the 46 000, about 7 000 (approximately 15%) lived in Montreal.
Italian immigrants wanted to increase their standard way of living. As well as hoping for a better future for their children. Not all Italian immigrants stayed since much of this migration is seasonal.
