Question

What are some of the reasons that English families were leaving Great Britain? Explain some of the changes that were taking place in Great Britain (England) that led to the migration of Europeans to the American colonies.

Answer 1

English families left Great Britain to escape overcrowding, poverty, and religious persecution, seeking opportunities for social mobility, land ownership, and religious freedom in the American colonies.

Step-by-step explanation:

English families were leaving Great Britain and migrating to American colonies for several reasons. A significant factor was the overcrowding and poverty experienced in England due to a population boom during the sixteenth century. Opportunities in the colonies seemed promising for those struggling at home. Furthermore, religious persecution drove many, such as the Puritans and Catholics, to seek a place where they could practice their faith freely.

In the New England colonies, unlike in the Chesapeake Bay area, a focus on building communities centered around the church rather than expanding profitable crops like tobacco was prevalent. The motivations for leaving England and settling in the New World were also shaped by the desire for social mobility, as seen in the Virginia colony, where becoming part of the gentry was an achievable dream.