During the 19th century immigration played the single greatest role in reshaping American demographics. Prior to the post Civil War era and the age of Ellis Island, immigrants to America were primarily from western Europe. These groups included, but were not limited to, the English, Irish, Germans, Scandinavians, Dutch and Chinese. Most were seeking a better and materially wealthier life. Others were seeking political asylum or religious freedom. Whatever the case, they were the immigrants who pioneered the West, developed farming communities, and sparked the new industrial age in America. Following the so-called "old immigrant" groups were the "new Immigrants" which consisted of the Italians, Eastern European Jews and Slavic peoples. Like the old immigrant groups many of them sought relief from religious and political persecution while others desired better employment opportunities and an escape from poverty, famine and disease. These immigrants moved to America during its industrial boom. Unlike the old immigrant groups they, by in large, lived in the urban centers of America. They provided the labor both skilled and unskilled which helped launch America to economic greatness. While many were discriminated against and suffered outrageous exploitation their sacrifices established a better future for their descendents.