Immigrant growth and urbanization transformed late 19th century America, fundamentally reshaping cities, society, and culture through massive demographic changes and technological advancement.
Key aspects include:
- Unprecedented waves of "new immigrants" from Southern and Eastern Europe after 1890s changed America's ethnic composition
- Urbanization effects on American cities included development of ethnic neighborhoods, suburbs, and modern infrastructure
- Social reform movements emerged addressing issues like women's suffrage, temperance, and immigrant welfare
- Educational expansion through public schools and new universities reshaped American intellectual life
- Restrictive immigration laws 19th century US reflected growing nativist sentiment and labor concerns
- Political machines and boss politics dominated urban governance, mixing public service with corruption
