The history of Slavic immigration in America is traced and the characteristics that define Slavs as an ethnic group are identified. Focusing on the difficulties experienced by Slavs in melting into accepted American patterns, the paper records the rise in Slavic ethnic consciousness. Topics discussed are Slavic language, geographic concentration of Slavs in Eastern Europe, cultural identity, physical characteristics, and religious differences. The section on early immigration discusses the reasons which attracted Slavs to America from earliest colonial days. These reasons include religious convictions, military obligations, adventure, and political idealism. Case studies of individual Slavic immigrants are presented. The greatest wave of Slavic immigration occurring from 1880-1920 is described, followed by discussion of the constant but less intense immigration after 1920. Reasons for later immigration include the Bolshevik Revolution, displacement due to political events in Europe, and religious persecution. The major contributions of Slavs to American science, music, industry, politics, and education are noted. (Author/DB)