How did European immigration change in the time up to the civil war?

Up to the Civil War, European Immigration to the United States shifted significantly, particularly with the influx of Irish and German immigrants in the 1840s and 1850s. The Irish fled famine and poverty, while Germans sought economic opportunities and political freedom. This wave of immigration contributed to the growth of urban centers and intensified nativist sentiments, as many native-born Americans reacted against the cultural differences and economic competition posed by the newcomers. Ultimately, these demographic changes played a crucial role in shaping the social and political landscape leading up to the Civil War.