Introduction

Migration – American War of Independence, 1700-1800

In this course, Dr Jon Chandler (University College London) discusses migration to and from Britain during the American War of Independence. In the first module, we look at the overall topic of migration to and from Britain during the American War of Independence. After this, we explore who migrated to the colonies in the 18th century. Then, we look at impact of migration to the American colonies. Finally, we explore the migration and the American War of Independence.

Introduction

In this module, we look at the overall topic of migration to and from Britain during the American War of Independence. In particular, we will look at the key questions: (i) Who were the primary migrants from Britain to America in the eighteenth century?; (ii) What were the main reasons for migration from Britain to North America and the Caribbean during the eighteenth century?; (iii) How did the patterns of migration from the British Isles to America change between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries?; (iv) What impact did wars have on emigration from Britain to its American colonies?; (v) How did the British government promote settlement in its colonies during the eighteenth century?; (vi) What role did the military play in influencing migration patterns to British North America?; (vii) How did post-war conditions affect emigration to the American colonies?; (viii) What were the significant destinations for Scottish and Irish migrants in British North America?; (ix) How did the demographic composition of migrants to America shift before and after the American Revolution?; and (x) What were the main factors driving Scottish Highlander migration to Canada in the late eighteenth century?