i cant find this in my book. i've probably read about it but i don't remember

In the 1890s, immigration patters shifted dramatically, with most immigrants now coming from
a. northern European countries
b. southern and eastern European countries
c. Mexico and Central America
d. China and Japan

i cant even make a guess

It depends upon whether you're asking about before or after 1895.

Check this article.

http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761566973_2/Immigration.html#s10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_the_United_States

the question doesnt say before or after

would it be A?

Excerpt:

Prior to 1890, 82% of immigrants came from north and western Europe. From 1891 to 1920, that number dropped to 25%, with a rise in immigrants from East, Central, and South Europe summing up to 64%.

I don't think northern Europeans represented a dramatic shift in immigration. After all, northern Europeans, especially from the British Isles, Germany and Scandinavia had been immigrating here since 1600.

so B

Hey look, you can figure this out. You read about all those Irish and German troops in the Civil War and then the Polish and Italian workers in the factories 30 years later.

Yes. It's B.

To find the answer to this question, we can approach it in the following way:

1. Check the index or table of contents in your book: Start by looking at the index or table of contents of your book to see if there are any specific sections or chapters that cover immigration patterns in the 1890s. This can help you navigate to the relevant information quickly.

2. Look for sections discussing immigration in the 1890s: Once you have identified the relevant sections or chapters, skim through them to locate any information related to immigration patterns during that time period. Pay attention to any headings, subheadings, or key terms that might provide clues about the answer.

3. Pay attention to historical context: Consider the historical context of the 1890s. Think about events, policies, and factors that may have influenced the flow of immigrants during that decade. For example, the impact of industrialization, political turmoil, or changes in immigration laws can all be relevant factors to consider.

4. Look for demographic information: Focus on finding specific demographic information about the origins of immigrants in the 1890s. This could include data on the countries or regions from which most immigrants were coming during that time.

5. Make an educated guess: Even if you don't remember reading about this specific question, you can still make an educated guess based on your general knowledge of history or any hints from the information you have gathered from your book.

In this case, based on historical knowledge, the most likely answer is (b) southern and eastern European countries. During the 1890s, there was a significant influx of immigrants from countries such as Italy, Russia, Poland, and Greece to the United States.

Remember, examining the index, table of contents, relevant sections, historical context, and demographic information can help you find the answer to questions like this when you're unable to recall the specific details from your reading.