Question

1870 63 199 1880 105 465 1890 107 488 1900 89 863 1910 71 531 1920 61 639 1930 74 954 source: bartnik, anna, 2012 what caused the trend seen in the diagram from 1890 to 1920? congress passed legislation to limit the massive number of immigrants arriving in the united states. land - owning opportunities were abundant in the great plains for immigrants to establish farms and ranches. employment opportunities for immigrants decreased tremendously after the bessemer steel process was used widespread urbanization provided affordable housing and a strong infrastructure for immigrants.

Explanation:

• Option 1: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. did pass immigration - limiting laws (e.g., Chinese Exclusion Act, Immigration Act of 1924). These laws restricted the influx of immigrants, which could explain the decrease in the numbers shown in the diagram from 1890 - 1920.
• Option 2: If land - owning opportunities were abundant, we would expect an increase in the number of immigrants (as people would be attracted by the land), not a decrease.
• Option 3: The Bessemer Steel Process (1850s - 1860s) was a technology for steel production. It led to the growth of the steel industry, which in turn created more jobs (e.g., in steel mills, related construction). So, it would not cause a decrease in immigrant employment opportunities in the 1890 - 1920 period.
• Option 4: Urbanization usually attracts immigrants (for jobs in factories etc.). If there was affordable housing and strong infrastructure, it would be a pull factor for immigrants, not a reason for a decrease.

Answer:

Congress passed legislation to limit the massive number of immigrants arriving in the United States.