How were people in the past able to come to America with literally no money and survive and thrive and some even starting businesses and becoming wealthy? Is that even possible today?
In: Economics
Prior to a hundred years ago, they mostly farmed. My ancestor came here from Ireland to fight in the civil war for $100. $50 down, and another $50 at the completion of his service.
His wife and daughter used the $50 to buy a small tract of land, raised chickens and grew root vegetables.
He lost and arm and a leg in the war (in the census he listed himself as a piano mover by trade) and never got the remaining $50 he was promised.
It’s important to remember that before social protections or government programs, you would starve to death if you couldn’t find work. People only came here if they believed it was worth the risk. If you couldn’t make it, you had to go back to your home country.
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