Final answer:
Late nineteenth-century southern and eastern European immigrants differed from western and northern Europeans in ethnic background, migration reasons, and societal reception, facing more discrimination and challenges in assimilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main differences between late nineteenth-century southern and eastern European immigrants and their western and northern European predecessors lie in ethnic backgrounds, reasons for migrating, and the reception they received in the United States. Southern and eastern Europeans often came from more diverse ethno-linguistic groups, such as Italians, Jews, Greeks, and Slavs, while western and northern immigrants were typically from Germanic or Scandinavian backgrounds. Additionally, southern and eastern Europeans were more likely to be fleeing economic hardship, political oppression, or religious persecution, and were often less wealthy, which impacted their ability to assimilate rapidly.
Upon arrival, the newer immigrant groups encountered more discrimination and barriers to assimilation than their predecessors due to cultural differences and religious affiliations. While earlier western and northern European immigrants had an easier time blending in, later immigrants often settled in ethnic enclaves, forming close-knit communities to maintain their heritage and support each other. Despite these challenges, these diverse immigrant populations significantly contributed to the cultural and social landscape of the United States.