Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

Which groups were primarily involved in the new waves of immigration during the late 19th century?

1. Irish and Germans

2. Mexicans and Canadians

3. Italians, Greeks, and Jews

4. British and French

The correct answer is: Italians, Greeks, and Jews

The late 19th century witnessed significant waves of immigration to the United States, with many individuals coming from Southern and Eastern Europe, which included large numbers of Italians, Greeks, and Jews. This period marked a shift in immigration patterns, as earlier waves in the mid-19th century were dominated by Irish and Germans. The influx of Italians was particularly pronounced, as economic hardship and political instability in Italy prompted many to seek better opportunities in America. Greeks also sought refuge due to similar factors, including economic struggles and a desire for a better life. Jewish immigration was largely driven by persecution in Eastern Europe, especially in the Russian Empire, where many faced anti-Semitic violence and discrimination. Together, these groups contributed to the cultural diversity of the United States and played a significant role in the labor force, especially in burgeoning industrial cities. Their arrival marked a crucial transformation in the demographic landscape of the nation during this era. The other groups listed in the options did not represent the primary immigrant populations during this time, as the Irish and Germans were prominent a few decades earlier, while Mexican and Canadian immigration was less about the mass waves seen with Europeans during this period, and British and French immigration had waned by the late 19th century