Final answer:
People moved to Manchester in the 1700s primarily due to industrialization and the establishment of factories seeking workers. Technological innovations, such as the steam engine, drove the increased demand for labor, contributing to urban migration from rural areas and the colonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The migration of people to Manchester in the 1700s can be mainly attributed to the advent of industrialization. Manchester, being one of the first cities in England to industrialize, saw an influx of the populace seeking employment in the newly established factories. The Industrial Revolution resulted in significant rural-to-urban migration due to the availability of jobs that contrasted with the widespread unemployment in the countryside.
Factories became a central part of urban life, with many located in Manchester, which needed a substantial workforce to manage the increasing production demands. This was spurred by technological advancements like the water mills and the steam engine, which enhanced manufacturing efficiency. Concurrently, the expansion of the British Empire and trade opportunities led to people moving from colonies to core areas of England, further contributing to the urbanization of cities like Manchester.