Final answer:
The United States followed a policy of open immigration during the 1800s due to a shortage of labor required for industrial growth and westward expansion, as well as the US serving as a safety valve for Europeans facing economic and political difficulties. The promise of the American Dream further attracted immigrants looking for better opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons for Open Immigration in the 1800s
The United States' policy of open immigration during much of the 1800s was driven by several factors. As the country expanded westward and its industrial capacity grew, there was a shortage of labor. This demand for workers in industries and in the building of infrastructure such as the transcontinental railroad was a significant pull factor for immigrants. Moreover, the US served as a 'safety valve' for European countries that had excess populations of poor, landless peasants, including those facing political and religious persecution. The influx of diverse cultures also played a part in the United States maintaining neutrality in European affairs.
The 1800s saw a massive increase in immigration due to different push and pull factors. Europeans were facing economic hardships, political oppression, and religious persecutions, which compelled them to leave their homelands in search of better opportunities. The American Dream was a powerful concept that promised upward mobility and financial success through hard work, which attracted millions to America.
Throughout the 1800s, successive waves of immigrants arrived in the United States including the Irish, Germans, Scandinavians, Italians, and Eastern European Jews among others. These immigrants brought with them new customs and traditions, and filled the labor void in the rapidly growing American economy.