A different perspective and an overlooked source on migratory routes from Italy to South America: microcosms of men and women and economic macrocosms (1885-1915)

The article analyzes aspects of social history during the migratory flows between Italy and South America between the late nineteenth and the early twentieth century, drawing in particular on newly disclosed archival records. Contrary to research about the transatlantic mass exodus from other countries at the turn of the twentieth century, the travel experience has rarely and only recently received scholarly attention in studies about Italian migration. The aim of this new study perspective is to understand the complexities of individuals, interests and cultures, which, with different roles and a clear power hierarchy, determined the characteristics and management of the routes. The analysis of the logbooks contributes to shedding light on the role of industrial capitalism in the ship-owning industry and to gathering information about the conditions of the journey, the routes and level of professionalism of the crews, including everyday aspects such as life on board, how stowaways were handled and the health and hygiene conditions of passengers and crew members.