Between 1861 and 1920, more than 7 million Italians chose to emigrate from their country of origin (Italian immigration: why so many 'Italians live outside Italy). Many Italian immigrants chose to live their new lives in South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil. The mass migration of Italians triggered the so-called “great migration” in Brazil (Sabina Stelzig). In this report, I will explore what led so many Italians to brave the ocean crossing to immigrate to South America, how their influences impacted their new country, and what push and pull factors he attraction Italians faced when they left their home country to settle in a new one. Many factors contributed to the Italian diaspora between 1861 and 1920. Perhaps the most influential factors were created by the results of the unification of Italy. On March 17, 1861, the unification of Italy was officially announced. With the exception of Veneto and Rome, Italy became a single country under the royal family of Piedmont-Sardinia (ISSUES RELEVANT TO UNITED STATES FOREIGN DIPLOMACY: UNIFICATION OF THE ITALIAN STATES). In the new unified Italy, the courts distributed to the inhabitants the lands controlled by the feudal owners. Unfortunately, the farmers were unable to make a living from the land they received and had to resell their plots to the rich. Others lost their land due to the practice of dividing land equally among heirs. Therefore, despite the disintegration of feudalism, most property remained under the control of the rich. This inequality was more evident in the northern region of Italy and contributed greatly to the level of poverty (McDonald). Italy was also industrializing, leading to a loss of jobs. Job loss also contributed to the... middle of paper ......ntials in rural Italy, 1902-1913. "Economic Development and Cultural Change 7.1 (1958): 55-72. Pall Mall Gazette. Executive Accommodations on the Cunard Steamship Line - 1879. August 9, 1879. .Ragir, Alex. South Americans Use Italy as Passport to opportunity. August 3, 2009. .Ratti, Anna Maria. Walter F. Willcox, editor. International Migrations, Volume II: Interpretations, 1931. .Rosoli, Gianfausto, special issue July 18, 2012. .Sabina Stelzig, MA Brazil nd... .