This graph shows a large number of immigrants to the United States in the early 1900s.

Question

Why was there a sharp increase in immigrants during this time?
The area graphs shows immigrants per decade between 1821 and 1981. The x axis shows the years 1821 and 1981 in 20 year intervals. The y axis begins at 0 and ends at 9,000,000. The number of immigrants reached 1,000,000 by 1831, peaks near 3,000,000 at 1851, 5,000,000 at 1881, and 9,000,000 at 1901 before a sharp decline.
Responses

transition from steam ships to airplanes
transition from steam ships to airplanes

rapid development of technology
rapid development of technology

reduction of the railroads in favor of other transportation

Answer 1

The sharp increase in immigrants to the United States in the early 1900s is primarily attributed to a combination of factors, including:

1. Economic Opportunities: The United States was seen as a land of opportunity, with the promise of jobs and better living conditions, especially during the industrial boom that was taking place at the time.

2. Political Turmoil and Persecution: Many immigrants were fleeing political unrest, persecution, and conflict in their home countries (such as the effects of World War I, famines, and revolutions), seeking safety and stability.

3. Immigration Policies: The open immigration policies of the time, along with the establishment of processing centers like Ellis Island, made it easier for immigrants to enter the country.

4. Transportation Improvements: The transition from sailing ships to steamships significantly reduced the time and cost of travel across the Atlantic, encouraging more people to immigrate.

5. Family Reunification: Many immigrants came to join family members who had already settled in the United States, creating networks that encouraged more people to immigrate.

Among the provided options, the "transition from steam ships to airplanes" could partially contribute to increased immigration, but it is more accurate to say that the transition from sailing ships to steamships was the key factor at that time, as airplanes did not yet play a significant role in transatlantic travel during the early 1900s. The other two options about rapid technology development and reduction of railroads are less directly related to the increase in immigration during that period.