The Economic Motive: Why Colonists Came to America

In a diverse immigrant neighborhood in Chicago, young people are using theatre as a way to deal with the challenges of adapting to a new country. This reflects a long-standing tradition of migration and assimilation in the United States, dating back to the arrival of the first colonists in the early 17th century. While many think of religious freedom as the primary motivation for settling in America, the reality is more complex. They were less religious refugees than economic migrants, seeking opportunities for prosperity and a better life.

Test your knowledge of civics by answering these questions from a sample test by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Why did the colonists come to America? While answers may vary, one key reason was economic opportunity. The promise of land, resources, and the chance to build a new life away from the constraints of the Old World drew many to the shores of what would become the United States.

History suggests the value of a broader understanding of patriotism, one that goes beyond saluting-the-flag loyalty and battlefield bravery. Our founding ideals of liberty and equality were false when they were written. For generations, black Americans have fought to make them a reality, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in American society.

The paper's series on slavery made avoidable mistakes. But the attacks from its critics are much more dangerous, reflecting a broader debate about the portrayal of American history and the legacies of colonization. It has become de rigueur, even among libertarians and classical liberals, to denigrate the benefits of the American Revolution. However, the economic opportunities that the Revolution created for many colonists cannot be ignored, shaping the landscape and culture of the young nation.

The idea that the United States has always been a bastion of religious freedom is reassuring—and utterly at odds with the historical record. While religious freedom was indeed a factor in the colonization of America, economic motives played a significant role as well. By exploring the economic incentives that drove colonists to America, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex forces that shaped the nation's history and identity.