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English Immigration to America

The document outlines the history of English immigration to America, beginning in the 1600s with the establishment of colonies and the cultural influence of the English settlers. It highlights key events such as the founding of Jamestown and the Plymouth Colony, as well as the significance of the Great Migration and the role of indentured servants. By the 1980 Census, 26.34% of the U.S. population identified as having English ancestry, reflecting the lasting impact of these early immigrants.

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6 views

English Immigration to America

The document outlines the history of English immigration to America, beginning in the 1600s with the establishment of colonies and the cultural influence of the English settlers. It highlights key events such as the founding of Jamestown and the Plymouth Colony, as well as the significance of the Great Migration and the role of indentured servants. By the 1980 Census, 26.34% of the U.S. population identified as having English ancestry, reflecting the lasting impact of these early immigrants.

Uploaded by

callie.rundhammer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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English Immigration to America1

History of English Immigration to America: The British influence on America


This article contains interesting facts, statistics and the history of English immigration to America.
The history of English Immigration to America began in the 1600's when England established
colonies on the east coast of North America. The colonists all belonged to the Anglo-Saxon race
and shared the same ethnic origin, identity, language, heritage, culture, education, history and
physical characteristics. Their new home was governed by England and they were bound by the
same laws and allegiance to the British monarch. The land had been claimed by Britain and the
first arrivals considered themselves to be settlers, rather than immigrants. The colonies were seen
as an extension of the homeland, hence place names such as New England. As the first and the
largest group of newcomers the English established the cultural pattern for America and were
responsible for the basic American cultural features such as language and law which are still
evident today.

History of English Immigration to America: British Ancestry


According to the 1980 United States Census, 26.34% of the total population of the United States,
consisting of over 49 million Americans, claimed English ancestry. This statistics place these
Americans as the largest ethnic group in the United States who identify with each other by
factors based on common ancestral, cultural and social experience. The majority of these people
simply describe themselves as "American", the title that was so fiercely fought for in the American
War of Independence.

History of English Immigration to America: The Reasons for English Immigration to America
Why did people want to leave England and why did they want to move to America? The reasons
for the English Immigration to America was at first based on obtaining profit from the new lands
but quickly changed as people decided to move from England to escape religious and political
prosecution. The prospect of a new life and owning some land was also a major reason for the
English immigration to America.

History of English Immigration to America in the 1500's: Roanoke Island


English Immigration to America began in the 1500's. Sir Walter Raleigh (1554-1618) led
expeditions to North America in order to found new settlements and find gold and named Virginia
in honor of Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen. In 1585 Sir Walter Raleigh sent several shiploads of
colonists to the 'New World', who settled on Roanoke Island. It was here that Elinor White Dare
gave birth to a daughter, Virginia Dare, the first child born of English parents in America. The first
immigrants mysteriously disappeared and Roanoke was given the nickname of "the Lost Colony".
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History of English Immigration to America in the 1600's: The Pilgrims and the Puritans
English Immigration to America in the 1600's recommenced in 1607 with the establishment of the
Jamestown settlement in the Virginia Colony. The Virginia Colony consisted of Anglican and
Baptist immigrants led by John Smith and John Rolfe. The Plymouth Colony was then founded in
1620 by the Mayflower Pilgrims. The term 'Pilgrim Fathers' is the name given to early settlers of
the Plymouth Colony. The Pilgrims, were part of an English church congregation of religious
separatists led by John Robinson, William Brewster and William Bradford under the military
command of Myles Standish. It was the Pilgrims who celebrated the First Thanksgiving to give
thanks for the arrival of fresh supplies and new colonists. In 1630 another religious group left
England in search of religious freedom. This group was called the Puritans who represented the
next wave of English Immigration to America. The leader of the Puritans was John Winthrop who
led a fleet of 11 vessels and 700 passengers to the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

History of English Immigration to America in the 1600's: The 'Great Migration' and the 13
Colonies
English Immigration to America continued as thousands of English people undertook 'The Great
Migration' between 1620 and 1640. The English Immigration to America led to the establishment
of the first 13 Colonies. The names of the first 13 colonies were Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. A brief description of the first 13 colonies are detailed
in the history timeline of the English Immigration to America. It is estimated that over 50,000
undertook the 3000 mile journey to America during the Great Migration. In 1642, the English Civil
War (1642–1651) erupted and it is estimated that up to 10% of the English migrants returned to
England to fight on the Puritan side.

History of English Immigration to America in the 1600's: Indentured Servants


English Immigration to America increased significantly during the period known as 'The Great
Migration' and many came as Indentured Servants. It is estimated that 80% of immigrants were in
this category. The Indenture system was introduced by the English to meet the growing demand
for cheap and plentiful labor. The cost of travel to America was prohibitive and completely out of
the reach of most English men and women. The only way to get to America was to sign a contract
as an Indentured servant. Under the Indenture system, Indentured servants emigrated to America
under contract to work between 5 to 7 years in exchange for transportation and the prospects of
employment and a new life in America. Many Indentured servants achieved what seemed an
impossible dream and eventually became landowners.

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