Non-Hispanic whites facts for kids

Non-Hispanic whites are a large group of people in the United States. They are White Americans who do not identify as Hispanic or Latino. This group includes people whose families came from many different parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Who Are Non-Hispanic Whites?

This group is made up of people who share a common background of being considered "white" but do not have Hispanic or Latino heritage. Their ancestors often came from countries like Germany, Ireland, Italy, England, France, Poland, and many others. They also include people from the Middle East and North Africa.

A Diverse Group

Even though they are grouped together, non-Hispanic whites are very diverse. They have different cultures, traditions, and histories based on where their families originally came from. For example, someone whose family came from Ireland might have different traditions than someone whose family came from Russia.

Where Do They Live?

Non-Hispanic whites live all over the United States. In some states, they make up a large part of the population. In other states, they are a smaller group. They live in big cities, small towns, and rural areas.

History of Non-Hispanic Whites in the U.S.

Many non-Hispanic whites are descendants of immigrants who came to the U.S. over hundreds of years.

Early European Settlers

The first large groups of European settlers arrived in North America starting in the 1600s. These early settlers were mostly from England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands. They came for many reasons, like seeking religious freedom or new opportunities.

Waves of Immigration

Later, in the 1800s and early 1900s, many more people came from other parts of Europe. This included large numbers of immigrants from Germany, Italy, Poland, and countries in Eastern Europe. They often came looking for jobs and a better life.

Contributions to American Society

Non-Hispanic whites have played a big part in shaping American society. They have contributed to many areas, including:

• Government and politics: Many U.S. presidents, lawmakers, and leaders have been non-Hispanic whites.
• Arts and culture: They have created famous music, movies, books, and art.
• Science and technology: Many important inventions and discoveries have come from this group.
• Business and economy: They have helped build many industries and companies.

Understanding Identity

Identity is how people see themselves and how they are seen by others. For non-Hispanic whites, their identity can be shaped by their family's history, their culture, and where they live.

What Does "White" Mean?

The idea of "white" has changed over time in the U.S. In the past, some groups from Europe, like Irish Americans or Italian Americans, were not always seen as "white" by everyone. Over time, these groups became more accepted into the broader "white" category.

How People Identify

Today, many non-Hispanic whites might identify more with their specific ethnic background, like "German-American" or "Italian-American," rather than just "white." This shows the rich diversity within the group.

Non-Hispanic Whites Today

This group continues to be a major part of the U.S. population. They are involved in all aspects of American life.

Changing Demographics

The U.S. population is always changing. The percentage of non-Hispanic whites in the country has slowly decreased over the years. This is because other groups, like Hispanic and Asian Americans, are growing faster.

Importance of Diversity

Understanding different groups, like non-Hispanic whites, helps us appreciate the rich diversity of the United States. Every group has a unique story and contributes to the country's culture.