Final answer:
German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries primarily settled in Chicago and Milwaukee, where they formed strong communities and contributed to the cultural and economic development of these cities.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the period of significant German immigration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many German immigrants settled in cities known for their growing industries and job opportunities. Chicago and Milwaukee were particularly attractive to German immigrants, as these cities offered the kind of work and community they were seeking.
These cities, close to the Great Lakes, had burgeoning populations of Germans, which is reflected in the many ethnic neighborhoods and cultural organizations that formed. German immigrants were known to create strong rural and urban communities where they retained aspects of their native culture. Milwaukee, in particular, became known for its large German population, and along with Chicago, it was a city where many German newspapers and societies emerged.
It's relevant to note that while German immigrants did settle across the United States, their significant presence in Chicago and Milwaukee is particularly well-documented, and these cities had some of the largest German communities in the country during that time.