Final answer:
The main reason the Irish were pushed out of Ireland was due to "We faced religious discrimination and famine in our homeland," highlighting the Irish Potato Famine and religious oppression as key factors in their mass emigration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary reason the Irish were pushed out of Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century is reflected in the quotation "We faced religious discrimination and famine in our homeland." This statement directly references the historical events such as the Irish Potato Famine of 1845 and the systemic oppression by the English, which included significant religious discrimination against Catholics and elimination of Irish cultural traditions. The famine particularly devastated the Irish population leading to mass emigration in search of survival.
Thousands of Irish immigrants settled in cities along the East Coast of the United States, where they faced further discrimination and were often forced into unskilled labor positions due to widespread prejudice and economic necessity. Historically, this exodus was largely driven by the need to escape the dire economic conditions in Ireland post-famine, as well as to seek a place where they might practice their religion freely and preserve their traditions.