Irish John Fitzgerald Kennedy 35th President of the United States
As the Irish population continuously increased in the United States, they started to take advantage in exploiting their political power. The Irish organized and created a voting block known as the “Green Machine.”
St. Patrick’s Day, which is an Irish religious holiday on March 17, became increasingly prominent in America after a group of Irish soldiers marched in lower Manhattan in 1762. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is not only recognized as a national holiday, but the parade is one of the longest and widely celebrated in many states. Approximately three million spectators attend the St. Patrick’s Day parades. This shows that the Irish were gaining recognition for their heritage and were being accepted in American society.
Nativists often attacked the Irish religion (Catholicism) and perceived it as a threat to their way of life. This anti-Catholicism sentiment was ultimately put to rest when John F. Kennedy was elected President. He said, “I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party’s candidate for President, who happens to also be a Catholic. I do not speak for my church on public matters – and the church does not speak for me.” Kennedy’s words and his victory in being elected president demonstrates that the Irish did not have to give up their religion in order to be successful in America.
Although America initially presented the Irish with great challenges, they were able to break away from their once stereotypical and dehumanizing image by proving their self-worth. Prior generations of Irish immigrants paved the way for the election of John F. Kennedy.