Catholic sisters in 19 c. America th
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Transcript Catholic sisters in 19 c. America th
Catholic sisters in 19th c.
America
The American Catholic experience
(19th century)
Minority group
Experienced prejudice, hostility
Compare to today?
Largely immigrant
Prior to 1845, most Catholics in America were English
1840s: Large wave of Irish immigration begins
1850: 5% of US population is Catholic
1890-1920: large numbers of Italian and eastern
European immigrants
1906: 17% of population is Catholic, the largest
single religious group
Sisters as nurses
Contributed to growth of profession
Increased Protestants’ exposure to Catholicism
For “respectable” women (note ethnic and class
prejudice)
Built up institutions
Created curriculum
Debunked stereotypes, rumors
Served in epidemics when others would not
Built up considerable resources, authority,
opportunities in hospitals and social service
providers