Final answer:
Irish immigrants faced discrimination initially but gradually achieved acceptance and assimilation in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reception of Irish immigrants in the United States can be illustrated through cultural assimilation and acceptance over time. Initially, Irish immigrants faced discrimination due to their ethnicity and religious differences, as they were largely Roman Catholic in a predominantly Protestant society. However, by the second half of the nineteenth century, the Irish had established themselves as politicians, business owners, and police officers, indicating a level of acceptance and integration into American society.
Many Irish immigrants settled in cities on the East Coast where they faced significant discrimination, especially after the Irish Potato Famine of 1845. Despite these challenges, Irish Americans slowly achieved acceptance and assimilation into the dominant group in the United States. They formed close-knit communities that preserved their culture and traditions, eventually contributing to the idea of the United States as a cultural melting pot.
It is important to note that the reception of immigrants varied depending on their ethnicity and the time period. While the Irish faced discrimination initially, they were able to overcome challenges and establish themselves in American society, albeit gradually.