The economic development of North America has seen several phases of development. The first phase of economic development was a plantation slave economy mixed with mercantilism, the second phase of development was a competitive industrial economy, and the third phase of economic development was multinational capitalism. Economic institutions and related governmental actions have shaped migration tides and resulting immigrant adaptation patterns. The original groups of inhabitants of North America were Native Americans. These natives lost much of their land and many of their lives to the ferocious European invasions. Many groups of immigrants came to America, but each group had left their home country for various reasons and under various circumstances. Some immigrant groups entered America as slaves, others came to work in low-wage jobs, and some came as entrepreneurs. These various groups were discriminated against to varying degrees, depending on the resources the group brought with them. Those immigrants who made the journey to America of their own free will and with economic resources found that it was much easier to find good jobs than immigrants with less of such free will and resources. Unfortunately, small business opportunities were not available to most immigrants. Migration waves to North America are highlighted in phases. With the first phase came the English settlers from 1600 to 1800. The English created colonies and forced the land from the natives. The English also established a form of capitalism. During the same period, Africans were seized from their native lands and involuntarily shipped to America as property, to be used as slaves. Additionally, the first phase brought an era in which Irish Catholics immigrated to America, driven from their homeland from 1830 to 1860, due to famine, oppression, and poor living conditions. These Irish immigrants were able to obtain low-wage jobs. Phase two began with the immigration of Chinese from 1850 to 1870; these people arrived thanks to US recruitment efforts and in the hope of obtaining better living conditions. The Chinese were mainly employed in construction and menial service jobs. The Italians arrived between 1880 and 1910. The Italian people were recruited to build......middle of paper......and rioters to stop the violence. Despite hostilities in several spheres, Korean entrepreneurs are still committed to building successful businesses. With their successes in low-income neighborhoods of New York and Los Angeles, they spearheaded urban renewal. (Articles and Papers, “Why Koreans Succeed” by Heather MacDonald, City Journal, Spring 1995) Koreans have been such a recent addition to U.S. culture and mainstream that we cannot make general assessments of the validity of their contribution to society. Everything seems to indicate that they have had, and will continue to have, a positive and inspiring impact, as they continue to integrate our society. Large numbers of Korean immigrants came to this country following the Korean War. American forces involved in the war returned to the United States with their wives and children. The largest influx of Korean Americans occurred after 1965, when a new immigration law was passed. Both groups, hardened by wartime and brutality, were filled with dogged determination to succeed. Overcoming prejudices and mistreatment, they represent added value for our country, which is still the "melting pot" of the world.