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Why Is British North America Considered A Poor Man's Country

Decent Essays

Option 2
Kenneth Chee

During the 17th century, Europe was in the midst of political turmoil. Many people were living in poverty, and the higher-class elite getting wealthier. Disease, famine and poverty was extremely prominent, due to lack of space in Europe, and unhygienic lifestyles. This left people with nowhere to go, but find new land. British North America was the best option a European person would encounter in this circumstance. A historian was quoted British North America as “the best poor man’s country” meaning that poverty was less oppressive and advancement more possible than Europe at that time. This characterization is to a very high extent valid. The transition to moving to the colonies led to a vast amount of freedom, and the spread of democracy. British North America is regarded as the “best poor man’s country” because it offered better opportunities than England. For example, Jamestown established a headright system. This agreement included a legal contract between another colonist and a white person from Europe where 50 acres of land is given if the immigrant works a certain amount of time. This had never been allowed in Europe so it opened a gate to many opportunities for the European people that were in poverty. It had made North America an easier …show more content…

Britain had a Parliamentary Monarchy that completely ruled all of Britain. However, Virginia had a representative assembly and a House of Burgesses. People, most commonly white males, had an opportunity to vote for their leader or laws. This would be impossible in Europe because of its Monarchy and the King ruled everything. People staying in Europe are derived of power while the powerful wealthy people get most of the money. North America had the notion to change the system and incorporate a more equal playing field for all people within the white

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