Many immigrants from European countries and ethnic groups came to the United States during the 19th century and early 20th century, until the Immigration Act of 1924 was passed.

However, it seems as if few immigrants came from these countries: France, Portugal, and Spain. I wonder why.

If you could tell me, and also have links and citations for the reasons why they didn't immigrate, please list them below.

By French, I mean people who immigrated directly from France, and not French Canadians. By Portugal and Spain, I mean people who immigrated directly from those countries, and not from countries in Central and South America.

Thank you, in advance, for your information; I appreciate it.

EDIT: Your answers have been very illuminating. Thank you all for posting them -- even the ones that have been removed.

Two part question. 1) Is it correct to state that government control over individual behaviour has increased over time and 2) If yes, why?

It is my perception, based on my (limited) knowledge of antiquity and (specifically European) history that in the past, individuals had greater personal liberty (for instance, to take drugs or engage in prostitution) than they do today. My perception is that modern governments, including democratic Western governments priding themselves on liberal values, are substantially more controlling over individuals' private behaviour than governments of the past were. Is this perception generally true and if it is, what is the explanation for it?

I've heard that in the past (possibly even as recent as pre-Victorian times), being homosexual was perfectly acceptable and was not looked at any differently. I mean, surely cavemen etc. didn't have views on this!?

When does this change throughout history and why? Any answers are much appreciated :)

I know the Romans found female-on-male oral sex disgusting, but what about other cultures, contemporary or later?

What are some well known examples of fruits and vegetables that have become extinct? This question stems from me learning about the downfall of the gros michel cultivar of bananas. While not totally extinct, it is rare enough that regular American consumers can no longer try this type of banana, when just under a century ago, it was the dominant type of banana available.

What the heck is a continent anyway? Are they just separate for political reasons?

Hello, I've been rewatching Downton Abbey and realized the age of a few characters that get married (being in their early 30s and 40s). So my question is, during this time period (the early 20th Century), was it common for servants in manor houses to marry latter in life rather than in their 20s?

Wondering if people spoke two different languages what would be the first language they'd try out as a middle ground?

My boyfriend is a Lit/History major specializing in the medieval period, especially medieval Christianity, with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. I've been playing around with embroidery lately and I think it would be nice to make him a lady's favour like knights used to carry around. However, I know nothing about this subject and wouldn't want to spend a lot of time making something poorly researched. What sort of meaningful symbols or pictures might appear on an embroidered handkerchief from this time period? He is a devout Catholic, but also has a deep appreciation for Middle Eastern history.

It seems to contradict the ultra-nationalist ideology of the Japanese government around the time of World War 2.

To clarify, I'm not talking about technological, military and administrative innovations that were necessary to stand up to Western powers, I'm talking about the superficial trappings of Westernization that had been adopted during the Meiji Restoration like classical music, Neoclassical architecture, and western military uniforms.

I understand why volunteers joined different services (i.e. Army, Navy, Air Force), but how come they joined specific units? I understand why some people would have wanted to join the paras or an artillery unit. But how come someone would join, for example, a Canadian Scottish Regiment over the PPCLI, where they essentially did the same job would have recruiting drives in the same city.
If my question needs clarification please ask!

I was just watching the Olympics and I realized that the announcer at the Sochi slopestyle course was speaking in English. Remember, this is a worldwide sporting event taking place in Russia. All the athletes NBC interviewed spoke English no matter what country they came from. Why is English the worldwide universal language and when did it become so widely spoken?