Chicago in the 1920s was a turning point for the development of ethnic neighborhoods. After the first rail connection between New York and Chicago opened in the 1840s, immigration exploded from that point on. The majority of immigrants to Chicago were Europeans. Irish, Italian, Eastern European Jews, Germans, and Mexicans were among the most prevalent ethnicities in Chicago. These groups made up most of Chicago. The sudden increase in immigration to Chicago in the 1920s quickly led to even greater separation of ethnicities in neighborhoods. The overall development of these neighborhoods has profoundly influenced the way Chicago is divided today. Without the immigration of these ethnicities to Chicago nearly 100 years ago, Chicago's neighborhoods would not be as culturally defined and shaped as they are today. Immigration to America from Europe reached an all-time high in the mid-1800s. After the Irish potato famine of the 1840s, a large group of Irish people immigrated to the United States. Since then, increasing numbers of Irish have settled in the United States, particularly in Chicago. The Irish have realized that the United States is truly a land of opportunity. With jobs available to immigrants, many more came to start a new life for their families. However, for a while, they didn't live in the nicer neighborhoods of Chicago. Many Irish people resided in disadvantaged neighborhoods such as the crowded neighborhoods around the Loop and on the West Side. Not only was the West Side home to the Irish, but many Germans and Jews lived in this area. The ethnic groups wanted to live with their own race. This is how the movement to develop ethnic neighborhoods began. Although many and...... middle of paper ...... many immigrants faced discrimination, leaving them with no choice but to live in the slums of some areas and try to pave your way to success. Many of these ethnic groups still reside where their relatives first lived when they arrived many years ago, while the majority of ethnic groups have dispersed throughout Chicago, creating many culturally diverse neighborhoods. mixed. Ultimately, all of these ethnic groups found their rightful area in Chicago. To this day, the Chicago neighborhoods that immigrants of different ethnicities settled in in the 1920s are very similar. These immigrants have a profound impact on the development of neighborhoods in today's society. Without the hard work of immigrants and their ambition to establish a life for their families and their future, Chicago would not be as developed and defined as it is today..