Question

Need help with this--

Americans remain an extremely mobile people, with most families moving several times in their lifetime. Write an essay in which you describe at least two similarities and two differences between American migration today and migration in the mid-1800s.

Thanks
-MC

Answer 1

I've studied my family genealogy rather extensively.

The first generation of immigrants (from 1640 to about 1850) traveled from Europe to America. They stayed where they settled for several years or a generation or two. The next migrants moved to another state. Their children tended to stay in that area for two or three (or more) generations. These moves were all made to improve their lives and find inexpensive farmland for their families.

My family became more mobile in the 1930s -- with a few going from the Midwest to California. Others moved to nearby cities for jobs. By the 1950s, we were scattering farther for jobs. Today, my children live in three different states. Their children are starting to scatter to find better jobs and more affordable living.

Everyone migrated to find a better life. In the mid-1800s, most moved for good and affordable farmland. They traveled by oxcart, river boat, and stage coach. Today, people move where the best jobs are. They travel by car and by plane.

You'll need to do more research on this topic -- but I hope this gets you started.

Answer 2

Another facet to explore is the large numbers of immigrants who've come to the U.S. since 1850. I suggest you include your own family's migration history, and include the plans that you and your siblings have for migrating elsewhere.