How did ethnicity and race contribute to changes in the US in late 19th century?

In the late 19th century, ethnicity and race significantly shaped social dynamics and policies in the U.S., as waves of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as marginalized groups like African Americans, faced discrimination and exclusion. The period saw the rise of nativism and restrictive Immigration laws, reflecting fears about cultural changes and competition for jobs. Racial segregation and Jim Crow laws institutionalized racism, particularly in the South, reinforcing socioeconomic disparities. These tensions ultimately contributed to movements for labor rights and civil rights, highlighting the role of ethnicity and race in the broader struggle for equality and social justice.