Why did people leave Britain?

Subdecks (2)

Cards (21)

  • The British Civil War resulted in increased conflict between religious groups in Britain.
  • In Britain there were high levels of unemployment and low wages for farmers.
  • Failed harvests in Britain caused starvation and famine.
  • Between 1607-1783 around 250,000 Britons migrated to North America.
  • Plantations in North America gave Britons the opportunity to get rich.
  • North American seas were stocked with profitable cod.
  • There was no tax on tobacco or sugar in North America so it could be sold at higher prices back home.
  • Christian groups [Puritans, Quakers and Catholics] had suffered persecution in Britain.
  • Failure to attend Anglican services was punishable by death.
  • In North America there was religious freedom.
  • Some religious groups migrated in other to convert the Indigenous people to Christianity.
  • Britain needed more land to grow crops and raise livestock.
  • Many Britons wanted to escape poverty and overcrowding.