During which time periods did the United States see major waves of immigration?

The correct answer identifies significant waves of immigration to the United States during critical historical periods. The colonial era saw the arrival of many European settlers, including the English, Dutch, and Spanish, who established colonies. The early 19th century marked another wave, particularly with the influx of Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine in the 1840s, as well as German immigrants escaping political turmoil and seeking economic opportunity.

The period from the 1880s to 1920 is particularly notable due to the dramatic increase in immigrants, especially from Southern and Eastern Europe. This era brought in millions of Italians, Poles, and Jews, among others, seeking refuge from persecution, famine, and economic hardship. By 1920, these groups had significantly reshaped the cultural and demographic landscape of the United States.

Together, these periods highlight how immigration has influenced American society and contributed to its growth and diversity. The other time frames offered in the choices, while they do include notable immigration events, do not capture the same breadth and impact on the formation of the United States as the periods identified in the correct answer.