Chicago in the 1920s was a turning point for the development of ethnic neighborhoods. After the first rail connection from New York to Chicago opened in 1840, the immigration sky skyrocketed from then on. Most immigrants to Chicago were European. Irish, Italians, Eastern European Jews, Germans, and Mexicans were among the most common ethnicities to reside in Chicago. These groups made up the majority of Chicago. The sudden increase in immigration to Chicago in the 1920s soon led to further ethnic separation in neighborhoods. The overall development of these neighborhoods has had a profound impact on the way Chicago is sectioned today. Without these ethnicities that immigrated to Chicago nearly 100 years ago, Chicago 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 potato famine in Ireland in 1840, a large group of Irish emigrated to the United States. Since then, an increasing number of Irish people have moved to the United States, especially to Chicago. The Irish had realized that the United States is truly the land of opportunity. With jobs available to immigrants, many others left to start a new life for their families. However, for quite some time they did not live in the nicer areas of Chicago. Many Irish resided in low-class areas such as the overcrowded parts around the Loop and on the West Side. Not only did the West Side shelter the Irish, but many Germans and Jews also lived in that area. Ethnicities wanted to be with their own race. This started the movement to develop ethnic neighborhoods. Although many... middle of paper... many immigrants have faced discrimination, leaving them no choice but to live in the slums of some areas and try to claw their way to success. Many of these ethnic groups still reside where their relatives lived when they arrived many years ago, while the majority of ethnic groups have dispersed throughout the Chicago area, creating many culturally mixed neighborhoods. Ultimately, all of these ethnic groups found their rightful area where they belong in Chicago. Even today, the areas of Chicago where ethnically diverse immigrants moved in the 1920s are much the same. 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 build a life for their families and their future, Chicago would not be as developed and defined as it is now.