Reasons for Colonial Immigration free essay sample

Although politics, religion, and the economy were all huge factors leading up to this historic occurrence, one influence rose above them all: economics. Money seemed to truly â€Å"make the world go ‘round†. The issues that spurred the least amount of inspiration for the exodus to the Americas were the political issues currently causing chaos in Europe. Many of the governments of Europe were dominated solely by the nobility and landed elite, so the common person barely had any say in the government. This would cause many middle-class people, and particularly the lower-class peasantry, to want to travel to the Americas. Class differences were simply too prominent and affected their lives in the most negative way possible. The middle and lower class would be able to start a new life for themselves, and because they would be some of the first people to get to the New World, they would have a greater chance of finding themselves in the seat of power. We will write a custom essay sample on Reasons for Colonial Immigration or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Also, many individuals felt too controlled by a smothering, oppressive government. As a result, many hoped to seek political freedom in the new lands. Because a government would not have already been established and they would no longer be under direct control of Henry VIII and the church, people thought that they would have more say in political decisions and would have the freedom and â€Å"new beginning† they so deeply desired. Finally, some Europeans sought to escape the political unrest and violent turmoil in their own country. For example, part of England’s new interest in America contributed to its growing rivalry with Spain, which was mainly caused by the Protestant Reformation. European countries were battling for religious nd therefore political power, causing great distress to their citizens as well. By moving to a mostly â€Å"uninhabited† area, naturally the potential immigrants were expecting the peace and political freedom they so desperately longed for. The second most important reason for migrating to the New World was the common desire for religious autonomy and sovereignty. When Henry VIII br oke with the church in 1527, declared himself the head of England’s church, and arranged his own divorce, a pandemonium ensued. Select Englishmen supported the new church, but Puritans and pilgrims wanted to cleanse the Anglican Church of any Catholic elements. They were extremely unhappy that monarchs and bishops controlled the church and that congregations were not allowed to elect their own ministers. Also, when James I became king in 1603 and refused to tolerate these reform ideas, Puritans became even more desperate for religious freedom. Starting their own colonies on the North American continent seemed like the perfect answer to all of their problems. Religious intolerance in the homelands of religious brethren caused them to voyage to America in order to practice religion that they believed to be correct. Religious reasons not only drove the English away from their homelands. By the 1560s, most of the Dutch had also formed their own religious beliefs- Protestantism. When the Spanish government tried to suppress their faith, they rebelled in nearly the same way as the English did. Like almost anybody, they wanted to be allowed to express their religious beliefs and practice things how they chose to. No one wants to be forced to change their beliefs about things as personal, and usually extremely prominent in society, as religion. Lastly and most importantly, Europeans were inspired to settle in the Americas because of economic difficulties at home. Vast numbers of the earliest settlers traveled to the New World in a quest for land. Much of the land in Europe was either controlled by the nobles or by the Church, which left little opportunity to anyone else who didn’t fall under those two categories. It was extremely difficult for an average farmer or rancher to become successful and it would cost a fortune for just a small piece of land. In America, on the other hand, you could get acres upon acres of land dirt cheap. Literally. Another key economic reason for starting a new chapter in their lives was to start out on a fresh slate. A surprisingly large amount of immigrants were either peasants/indentured servants, or had a great debt to pay off back at home. By voyaging to the colonies, they would be able to get a new start. Colonizers would be free of debt and, because the New England colonies were desperate for new settlers and workers, it was exceptionally easy to get a job unlike back at home. Not only would new colonists benefit from new sources of money and erased debt, but they would also be surrounded by new agriculture, bountiful amounts of new staple foods such as corn, and cash crops such as tobacco. Those that were struggling with famines in their home countries would have brand new resources for food, and food is enough to motivate nearly anybody. Not to mention, tobacco was a plant and drug that had never been discovered before, and was a highly profitable commodity. It was in extremely high demand from not only the colonies, but from other countries as well, and people were willing to pay large sums of money for the plant. Despite what many people believe, money truly can buy happiness along with nearly everything else in the world, of course. The 17th century was a hectic time full of new beginnings, particularly in regards to the mass amount of treks to the New World, which would later become known as the United States of America. There were several motives for the big move than many chose to make, the three biggest factors being political, religious, or economic. Politically, distressed citizens were simply seeking a political voice in their own country, and freedom from an oppressive government. Another huge reason for migration involved the religious battles and tensions caused by the Protestant Reformation. People were simply standing up for what they believed in. Most importantly, people were searching for a new beginning and ways to financially stabilize and profit from this opportunity, something they could not do in their homelands. Although the new colonial people may not have pinpointed one specific reason for making their decision, all three factors played a huge role in history, and still do today. Whether people realize it or not, these three things- politics, religion, and economics- influence nearly every decision they make, and will continue to do so until the day pigs fly.