The National Integration of Italian Return Migration, 1870–1929

This book examines return migration to Italy from the United States from 1870 to 1929.

Dino Cinel (Author)

9780521400589, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 November 1991

290 pages
23.7 x 15.6 x 2 cm, 0.546 kg

"Where Cinel's book is most successful is in assembling the most exhaustive documentation yet available on the economic prospects awaiting southern returnees and on the extent to which their savings (ranging from modest to substantial), besides translating into improved working and living conditions, could ignite an economic takeoff in the South. Particularly praiseworthy is the author's decision to break down the data at a regional level, thus making readers more aware of the socio-economic diversity existing in the Italian South." Bruno Ramirez, Journal of American History

This book examines return migration to Italy from the United States from 1870 to 1929. Many imigrants did not intend to settle permanently in the United States, but to make money in order to buy land in Italy. The book documents the flow from America back to Italy of individuals and remittances and discusses the strategies used by returnees in investing American savings. The Italian government and Italian society in general took a great deal of interest in return migration. Initially, Italy opposed mass emigration. In time, the government promoted emigration and return migration as the best way of creating savings, which would in turn promote the modernization of the Italian economy, especially in the south. Eventually, return migration and remittances were regarded by many Italians as the best way to solve the thorny southern question.

Acknowledgments
Introduction: emigration and the process of national integration
1. The difficult task of national integration
2. A blueprint for change
3. The southern ethos
4. The national debate
5. Return migration
6. American remittances
7. Investing American savings
8. regional differences
9. Return and retirement
Conclusion: national integration and return migration
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]