Irish immigrants first settle in New York seeking relief from potato famine in Ireland. German immigrants seek safety in America after collapse of revolutionary movement in Germany. The boundary line of the United States and Mexico is disputed and the United States conquers California, New Mexico and northern Mexico. 1848 Gold Rush of California caused people to migrate west for a better life. Californians use Chinese immigrants as part of the work force 1861 American Civil War begins with Confederates firing on Union Soldiers.
Immigration decreases during the American Civil War.
1862 Homestead Act provides free land in the Midwest to settlers. Immigrant farmers from western and northern Europe settle here. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation frees the slaves. 1864 Immigration is encouraged to fill jobs left vacant from war and to settle unpopulated areas of the country. 1865 Civil War ends.