Transcript Catholic sisters in 19 c. America th

Catholic sisters in 19th c.
America
The American Catholic experience
(19th century)
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Minority group
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Experienced prejudice, hostility
Compare to today?
Largely immigrant
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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
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Contributed to growth of profession
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Increased Protestants’ exposure to Catholicism
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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