In the first few decades of the Great Wave, between 1840 and 1860, over 4 million people—a greater number than the entire national population in 1790—immigrated to the United States. The majority of these immigrants were from Ireland and Germany, with a significant number from Scandinavia.
Regarding this, what was the most common reason immigrants came to the United States at the turn of the 20th century?
Like most immigrants that came before them, early 20th century immigrants came to better their lives. In Europe, many left their homelands in search of economic prosperity and religious freedom. Living conditions in Europe were degraded, as poverty and an exploding European population led to food shortages.
Then, where did most of the immigrants come from in the 1800s?
Between 1870 and 1900, the largest number of immigrants continued to come from northern and western Europe including Great Britain, Ireland, and Scandinavia. But “new” immigrants from southern and eastern Europe were becoming one of the most important forces in American life.
Why did immigrants come from during the Industrial Revolution?
With the growth of factories and the demand for unskilled labor, immigrants, primarily young men in the working years, continued to be the ideal source of labor. Immigrants were generally more willing to accept lower wages and inferior working conditions than native born workers (Zolberg 2006: 69).
Why did immigrants come to the United States?
Fleeing crop failure, land and job shortages, rising taxes, and famine, many came to the U. S. because it was perceived as the land of economic opportunity.