From the founding of Jamestown, in 1608, the English have been the single most influential immigrant group in America. They established a colonial government with the English system of law and established the English language as the primary form of communication.
After America gained her independence from Great Britain. The old mother country provided a steady stream of British immigrants seeking land and new employment opportunities. The majority of the British immigrants were skilled laborers, craftsmen and professionals. Because of this and their language they were able to secure some of the better jobs in the new nation and many of them became prominent businessmen.
The greatest influx of British immigrants after the American colonial era occurred during the mid-19th century while Great Britain was rapidly becoming an industrialized state. Large factories had changed the worker/employer dynamic and resulted in hostile and sometimes violent disputes between the two parties. Depressions and other economic maladies caused severe unemployment. Skilled craftsmen who made goods by hand were being pushed out of business by the machines and they sought a refuge where their talents would be appreciated. In addition to the woes of antiquated professions the poor-laws and increased taxation made it difficult for farmers and the self-employed to make it on their own.
Religious freedom also motivated many English immigrants during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The burgeoning Methodist Church placed greater importance on the human soul and rejected the formalist nature of the established Anglican Church. It also preached against the cold heartless nature of the industrial state. Members of churches other than the established church took a back seat in both political and economic spheres influence. Roman Catholics in particular were ostracized and shunned by British society. Soon religious dissenters looked to America for religious freedom and tolerance.
Unlike many other immigrant groups the English did not settle and form their own communities. They dispersed across America more than any other group and made their way to virtually every area of the nation.
After America gained her independence from Great Britain. The old mother country provided a steady stream of British immigrants seeking land and new employment opportunities. The majority of the British immigrants were skilled laborers, craftsmen and professionals. Because of this and their language they were able to secure some of the better jobs in the new nation and many of them became prominent businessmen.
The greatest influx of British immigrants after the American colonial era occurred during the mid-19th century while Great Britain was rapidly becoming an industrialized state. Large factories had changed the worker/employer dynamic and resulted in hostile and sometimes violent disputes between the two parties. Depressions and other economic maladies caused severe unemployment. Skilled craftsmen who made goods by hand were being pushed out of business by the machines and they sought a refuge where their talents would be appreciated. In addition to the woes of antiquated professions the poor-laws and increased taxation made it difficult for farmers and the self-employed to make it on their own.
Religious freedom also motivated many English immigrants during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The burgeoning Methodist Church placed greater importance on the human soul and rejected the formalist nature of the established Anglican Church. It also preached against the cold heartless nature of the industrial state. Members of churches other than the established church took a back seat in both political and economic spheres influence. Roman Catholics in particular were ostracized and shunned by British society. Soon religious dissenters looked to America for religious freedom and tolerance.
Unlike many other immigrant groups the English did not settle and form their own communities. They dispersed across America more than any other group and made their way to virtually every area of the nation.
A Century Later
A century later Americans with English ancestry are still relatively spread out across the country.