How did migration patterns shift with industrialisation?

Industrialisation shifted migration patterns from rural to urban areas, and from less developed to more industrialised countries.

Before the advent of industrialisation, most people lived in rural areas and engaged in farming or other forms of agriculture. However, the rise of factories and industries in the cities during the Industrial Revolution created a demand for labour. This led to a significant shift in migration patterns as people moved from rural areas to urban centres in search of work. This phenomenon, known as urbanisation, was a direct result of industrialisation.

In addition to internal migration, industrialisation also influenced international migration. As industrialised countries needed more labour to sustain their growing industries, they attracted immigrants from less developed countries. For instance, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of people from Europe migrated to the United States, which was undergoing rapid industrialisation. These immigrants provided the labour force needed for the burgeoning industries.

Moreover, industrialisation led to the development of new forms of transportation, such as railways and steamships, which made long-distance migration more feasible. This facilitated the movement of people on an unprecedented scale. For example, the transcontinental railroad in the United States, completed in 1869, enabled the mass migration of people to the western parts of the country.

However, it's important to note that this shift in migration patterns was not always voluntary. Many people were forced to move due to the mechanisation of agriculture, which reduced the need for labour in rural areas. Additionally, the living conditions in industrial cities were often poor, with overcrowded housing and unsanitary conditions. Despite these challenges, the promise of employment and better economic opportunities continued to draw people to the cities and industrialised countries.

In conclusion, industrialisation had a profound impact on migration patterns. It led to the movement of people from rural to urban areas and from less developed to more industrialised countries. This shift in migration patterns was facilitated by the demand for labour in the cities and the development of new forms of transportation.