Ep 1. La Famiglia (1890-1910); Becoming Americans (1910-1930)

The Italian Americans is a four-part documentary series that chronicles the history of Italian immigrants and their descendants in America. Season one begins with episode one, titled "La Famiglia (1890-1910); Becoming Americans (1910-1930)."

The episode delves into the hardships and triumphs of Italian immigrants arriving in America during the late 19th century and early 20th century. It discusses the factors that led to the mass migration of Italians to the United States, including poverty, political instability, and opportunities for work.

The focus of the episode is on the importance of family, or "la famiglia," in the lives of Italian immigrants. It explores how Italian families maintained their traditions and culture in a new land, often under difficult circumstances. Despite discrimination and poverty, Italian families formed tight-knit communities and supported one another through the challenges of adjusting to life in America.

The episode also examines how the Italian-American community evolved over time. It looks at the social and political changes that affected Italian Americans during the early 20th century, including the impact of World War I and the rise of the labor movement. It explores how Italian Americans struggled to find a place in American society while still maintaining their cultural identity.

Overall, "La Famiglia (1890-1910); Becoming Americans (1910-1930)" provides a fascinating look at the experiences of Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. Through archival footage, interviews with experts, and personal anecdotes from descendants of Italian immigrants, the episode paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs of life in a new country. It highlights the importance of family, community, and resilience in the face of adversity, and sets the stage for the rest of the series.