Final answer:
Most European immigrants in the late 1800s lived in large cities in the United States, where they found work and formed ethnic neighborhoods. Despite facing discrimination, they greatly contributed to the nation's urban and industrial expansion during this era.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late 1800s, most European immigrants lived in large cities within the United States. This urban residency was largely a result of the need for these immigrants to seek work; they often found employment in the rapidly growing businesses and factories close to where they arrived. Lingering in the cities as opposed to pursuing agricultural opportunities was partly because many lacked the financial means to venture to western lands, unlike earlier waves of immigrants who had moved westward to purchase land.
Newcomers, including those from southern and eastern Europe, settled in ethnic neighborhoods where they could speak their own languages and maintain cultural practices. These immigrant communities not only provided a reminder of their homelands but also offered a support system. Cities like New York and Chicago became vibrant centers of diverse cultural enclaves, reflecting the varied backgrounds of their residents, who were essential to the burgeoning industrial workforce.
At the same time, immigrants encountered discrimination and targeted anti-immigration legislation. Nevertheless, they contributed significantly to urban growth and the development of the United States during this time of rapid industrialization and urbanization.