Push And Pull Factor Analysis

Between 1607 to 1754, European migration to North America increased significantly. Push factors make people want to leave a region. Push factors included that many lands in England were “enclosed,” leaving thousands of families in search for employment and homes, the lack of economic opportunities, political instability in Europe, and discrimination, since Puritans, Quakers, who were persecuted, and other groups were discriminated against. Feudalism was also a push factor because Europe was still fairly feudal at this time, and kings held the power to allow people to own land.

Pull factors, which draw people to another region, included economic opportunities, specifically available resources, as demonstrated by Columbus’ voyages to the Caribbean in search of gold and slaves. The promise of land was a powerful motivating factor, since most settlers during this time period came as indentured servants, who had to work for a predetermined amount of time for another person who paid for their voyages, and, at the conclusion of their term, could obtain a plot of land. Europe was running out of land at this time. The lands in America also offered a solution for the homeless, and a gain of land for the Europeans would represent a gain of power, since European nations wanted to build powerful empires. Religious freedom also served as a pull factor, such as

The upper class gained improved living conditions. This growth led to more growth, but it also led to increased social inequalities. The British sent thousands to the New World in order to populate it, unlike the French or Spanish, who limited migration. The British also supported the immigration of foreigners into the colonies as long as they were Protestant and swore allegiance to the British. This led to much ethnic diversity in the British