Final answer:
The late 19th-century wave of immigrants from southern and eastern Europe changed American society by contributing to industrial growth, urbanization, and cultural diversity, but also experienced nativism and discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The wave of immigrants that arrived in America in the late 19th century significantly changed American society. From the 1880s, there was a marked increase in immigrants from southern and eastern European countries, supplementing the existing flow from northern and western Europe. These new immigrants primarily sought work in America's burgeoning industries, such as the construction of the transcontinental railroad, factories, and mines.
Many immigrants settled in urban areas, as they lacked the funds to move westward and buy land, unlike earlier immigrants from northern and western Europe. They formed tight-knit communities where they could maintain their native languages, foods, and cultural traditions. This influx of diverse cultures enriched the American melting pot but also led to rising tensions, as seen with the emergence of nativism and various discriminatory practices and anti-immigration legislation targeting new immigrants. The demographic shift was documented by the Dillingham Commission, which highlighted the differentiation and ensuing discrimination these immigrants faced, based on physical appearance, language, and religion.
Overall, the new immigrants' arrival accelerated urban growth and demographic change, but also provoked societal responses that ranged from accommodating to hostile.