Migration in a Mature Economy: Emigration and Internal Migration in England and Wales 1861–1900 (Cambridge Studies in Population, Economy and Society in Past Time, Series Number 3) - Softcover

Baines, Dudley

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052189154X ISBN 13: 9780521891547

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2003

Synopsis

In this study Mr Baines has devised a method of estimating the county of birth of all permanent emigrants from England and Wales in the last four decades of the nineteenth century - some 2.3 million people. He has related the rate and timing of migration to the social and economic characteristics of the counties, which has provided answers to many of the outstanding questions in the history of English emigration, including, for example, the idea of an 'Atlantic Economy' and the extent to which Welsh migration was distinct from or integrated into the English pattern. Briefly, the book concludes that the emigrants did not, in the main, come from 'peripheral' parts of the country. Probably one half of the emigrants had known no environment other than a large town. It is likely that English and Welsh emigrants were more likely to return than emigrants from any European country. Most of the emigrants seem to have been well-informed about the costs and benefits of moving - most probably from the experience of previous emigrants. English emigration could not therefore have been a simple flight from poverty, but was rather based on a well considered decision to leave home, although not necessarily for ever.

About this title

Book Description

In this study Mr Baines has devised a method of estimating the county of birth of all permanent emigrants from England and Wales in the last four decades of the nineteenth century - some 2.3 million people.

Review

Applies a method of estimating the country of birth of all emigrants from England and Wales in the last 40 years of the nineteenth century to answering many outstanding questions in the history of English emigration. Concludes that English emigration waves were based on well considered decisions as opposed to impulsive reactions. -- Book Description

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052189154X
• ISBN 13: 9780521891547
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 372