Immigration to America

By the time of the American Revolutionary

War, the eastern coast of North America
was home to Thirteen English colonies also
known as the 13 original colonies. These
colonies would become the first United
States of America after the British lost the
Revolution.
 Influences
Many of the early settlers were misfits of the British Empire.
The Pilgrims, Puritans, Quakers, and others all came to
America seeking to escape some sort of persecution. Others
came to America seeking financial gain.

This eclectic group of individuals created the 13

original colonies and brought with them different
views of the world.
The Puritans, Pilgrims and Roger Williams
were certainly influenced by the writings of
reformers such as Martin Luther, John
Calvin, and others.

Their influence challenged the notion that in

order to get to heaven you must follow
certain rules and perform certain tasks so
that God would love you.
Life of a typical colonists
The life of an early settler was a difficult one.

• Jamestown and Plymouth experienced times of

starving, sickness, and death.
• Infant death rates were high
• Every family member that was able to walk
helped with chores
• Illiteracy rates were high
• Relations with the Indians were questionable,
although some tribes were friendly many were not.
• Life Expectancy in the early years was 33 – 40.
Slavery
The slave trade
was introduced
to the colonies
in Virginia.
Eventually,
slaves could be
found
throughout the
colonies, North
and South, but
the South had
more reliance
on them due to
the large
plantations.
Indentured servants
Many of the early
colonial immigrants
came to America as an
indentured servant.
Indentured servants
were men and women
who signed a contract
by which they agreed
to work for a certain
number of years in
exchange for
transportation to the
colonies and, once
they arrived, food,
clothing, and shelter.
Thanks for your attention