Final answer:
Immigrants from southern and eastern Europe arrived on the East Coast during the Gilded Age, primarily through New York City and Ellis Island, seeking better economic opportunities but faced significant challenges including discrimination and harsh living conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Gilded Age, many immigrants came through the East Coast of the United States, primarily entering through New York City and often via Ellis Island. These new arrivals during the late 19th and early 20th centuries were mainly from southern and eastern Europe, including Italy, Greece, Russia, and other Slavic countries. Unlike the earlier waves of immigrants from northern and western Europe, the southern and eastern Europeans were often escaping difficult conditions such as famines, religious and political persecution, and mandatory military service. They were drawn to America by the promise of work in rapidly growing industries such as manufacturing and construction, including iconic projects like the transcontinental railroad.
However, these immigrants faced significant challenges upon their arrival. Discrimination and anti-immigration sentiment were rampant, especially in the cities of the East and Midwest where ethnic enclaves were forming. The living and working conditions for these new immigrants were often harsh, and the opportunities for advancement were limited due to pervasive prejudice. Yet, despite these obstacles, they contributed significantly to the nation's economy and cultural diversity.