The progressively acculturated and assimilated Jewish bourgeoisie played an important role in the development of capitalist economy and industry in the 19^th and 20^th century Poland. Economic difficulties and the increasing hostility towards Jews in the 1880s resulted in a wave of mass migration among the Jewish community. Its principal direction was the United States, where some Jews from Poland made great careers. As immigrants wishing to find their place in the society and gain the respect of their peers, Jews often got involved in new, sprouting branches of industry and business, displaying an exceptional knack for innovation and entrepreneurship. Another important group of innovators were scientists. For many Jews, the academic world, and natural sciences in particular, was a space free from ethnic and religious divisions, dominated instead by universal ideas.