1. The Immigrant Experience

2. Where Did They All Come From?
The majority of immigrants came from continental Europe (France), Britain, and the US
Loyalists from the US after the War of 1812
Europeans and British left due to overpopulation and land space

3. British Land System
England was divided into large estates controlled by the wealthy.
These lands were passed down through male lines
Unfair System
Poor classes could work the land but did not own it or its product (rent vs own)
Unable to buy land due to inheritance system
The desire to own land and its product motivated people to move

4. Obedience for the Empire
The British government enforced the same land system so to promote strict British presence and authority
Wealthy would be loyal to Britain
Britain did not want colonists to adopt democratic values which led to the American revolution and the loss of the 13 British colonies

5. Why Move?
Exaggerated advertising played on peoples desires in order to encourage people to move to the Canadian colonies
A desire to own land
A desire to leave the present class system
Get rich
Leave overpopulated home
Find adventure

6. Saying Goodbye
Leaving home was highly emotional as immigrants knew they were likely to never see their homeland and family again
Took more than a month to travel across the Atlantic and very expensive

7. Deadly Journeys for the Poor
Travelled in steerage in filthy, overcrowded coffin ships
Cargo vessels were turned into passenger ships but had limited beds, fresh water, and no bathrooms
Poor sanitation led to the breakout of disease
Over half of those who arrived in Canada were seriously ill

8. Lower Your Expectations
The upper class expected to keep the same privileges they had in Britain, yet the Canadian colonies leveled some of the barriers between social classes
Hard labour to settle land
Limited cheap labour and servants
Upper class women had to get their hands dirty and take on new roles