Final answer:
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the U.S. saw significant population movement due to industrialization, with a growing workforce leading to increased immigration and urbanization, as well as the westward expansion facilitated by enticements like the Homestead Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the population movement in the U.S. was characterized by significant immigration and expansion to the west. The industrial boom required more laborers, which, along with other factors, led to a significant influx of immigrants from various parts of the world, especially northern Europe. A notable migration pattern was the movement toward urban centers, as illustrated by the urban population growth reflected in census data. Moreover, the westward migration was facilitated by various motivations including economic opportunities, political pressures, and agricultural prospects.
During this period, the immigrant population grew rapidly, with significant numbers of Germans, Scandinavians, and Irish settling in the Midwest. The California Gold Rush and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad further spurred westward migration, while the Homestead Act of 1862 enticed settlers by offering free land. By 1900, several states had a high proportion of foreign-born residents, reinforcing the ethnic mosaic of America's rural communities. The transformation of the U.S. during this time was also urban, with urbanization reflecting the migration from rural areas and the arrival of new immigrants.