Immigration to the Americas
Immigration to the AmericasPrior to 1650, many Englishmen immigrated to the New World,
specifically to the North American Colonies. These immigrants fled
from a society that they found to be displeasing in many specific
ways. Although economic and political values led to much of the
English migration to the New World, religious tumult in England was
undoubtedly the main cause for the immigration.
James I, who believed in the divine right of kings, thought he
was allowed to disobey Parliament because he answered to no one but
God. He started a conflict with Parliament that gained momentum under
Charles I's reign. This conflict finally sparked a civil war lasting
seven years, during which time the government unsympathetically
persecuted its citizens, driving many of them out of the country.
Furthermore, England's unstable economy and inflation led to
much poverty. The demand for a certain raw material like wool could
put many slaves out of a job if the landowner suddenly decided it was
more profitable to raise sheep; thus requiring only a small fraction
of the work force. Inflation also made life hard for the poorer
people, who found they could no longer pay for basic necessities.
People saw that moving to the North American Colonies was a great
money-making opportunity. Growing sugar on islands off the North
American coast was so profitable that one man's capital may have
spilled over to a relative who lived generations later. People were
also quite excited about the idea of Capitalism, the economic system
in which one makes even more money by investing his capital in a
growing business, for example. Finally, people saw that the vast
fields in the New World would yield much produce, and that moving to
the Colonies was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Religious conflict, however, was the main factor contributing
to the English migration to New England. The Catholic Church had
become too intense on individuals and their everyday life, and
Protestantism seemed to be the best alternative for many people. Also,
King Henry VIII had established the Anglican Church, which he strongly
enforced upon the Englishmen. Protestants and Catholics in this
society were shunned by their neighbors, fined by the...
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