Final answer:
Between the 1850s and 1860s, many immigrants moved to the United States, with the Midwest being a popular destination for Europeans. They formed tightly knit communities, maintaining traditions from their homelands, while contributing to the country's economic growth, especially in manufacturing.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1850s and 1860s, many immigrants moved to the United States seeking better economic opportunities and relief from political and religious persecution. Immigrants from Northern Europe and Canada, including Germans, Scandinavians, and Irish, formed the largest groups. These new residents primarily settled in the American Midwest, constructing strong rural communities that reflected their native customs and livelihoods. According to historical census records, the number of Scandinavians in the US soared from just 18,000 in 1850 to over 1.1 million by 1900.
Beyond the Midwest, many immigrants found their way to bustling urban centers like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Despite facing challenges such as discrimination and integration into American society, immigrants contributed culturally and economically, particularly in the burgeoning manufacturing sectors of the Northeast and around the Great Lakes.
The period saw a significant rise in immigrant populations in the United States, with notable communities of immigrants also establishing themselves in other regions and contributing to the country's diverse mosaic of cultures.