Migrations in the Modern Era

A continuity in the migrations in the Americas and Europe was the introduction of new cultures or addition of aspects of culture. According to Merriam-Webster, a one possible definition of culture is, “Acquaintance with and taste in fine arts, humanities, and broad aspects of science as distinguished from vocational and technical skills,”. The African Diaspora which included parts of the late 1700’s, early 1800’s, was the relocation of over 16 million Africans who were used as slaves. Even though they led harsh lives doing labor, they carved out their own identity, a mixture of European, American and their own African customs. This included the making of Creole languages, a mixture of European and African languages such as Gullah and Geechee. Many were Christians or converted to Christianity and also added their blend of drumming and dancing to create a unique syncretic religion. One of the bigger unique parts of the African American identity was the music which started on plantations and led way to become modern blues, jazz and soul music that is known today. These traditions were created to preserve the story of the Africans who suffered for years because of the slave trade and through this, their stories are unforgettable. By 1848, migration had caused a new piece of culture, a book and movement to be born. The early 1700’s was the introduction of industrialization which was prominent in a politically stable Britain. The increased demand of products such as cotton encouraged people living in rural areas to come work and live in cities. This type of migration, known as urbanization, showcased horrible environmental and living conditions where disease spread, families lived in overcrowded apartments and pollution affected the air...

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...ong and protested while some decided that buying slaves was a risky and expensive investment while money could be cheaply and safely invested in buying raw materials for manufacturing. All in all, over 16 million slaves were involuntarily taken from their homes in Africa. In 1831, there was another forced migration, albeit a smaller one, of American Indians on the “Trail of Tears”. 5 different tribes including the Cherokee, were forced to relocate from their homes in southeastern USA to modern day Oklahoma. This move was called for after the signing of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 overseen by then President, Andrew Jackson. Over a 7-year period, 46,000 thousand American Indians were moved and forced to go to modern day Oklahoma. The act of removal allowed for free land for American people to use for farming as the soil was excellent for planting and selling crops.