Braydan Koplin

History 2200
Spring 2016

Module 1

Ever since America was discovered people have been coming for many different reasons
freedom of religion, land, money, etc. What was the most significant reason for European migration to
America and why? The one that stands out to me as the most significant reason is escaping a monarchial
government. Living under a monarchial government you dont have any rights. If the king wants what
you have you dont have any say the king just takes it. You might not even have a choice on what job
you have. And finally you dont own your land it is like you are renting it. The people who fled form
monarchial government remembered what that was like, that helped form a big part of what it means
to be American. After living under monarchial rule and then coming here to America they have a greater
respect for the freedoms America offers. And helps form the cultural identity of America that is you can
be your own boss and dont have to answer to a king when living your life.
Living in a land ruled by a monarchial government you have no rights. This means you might
have to worship the way the king wants. For example the Dutch fled because King William I controlled
the Dutch Reformed Church and closely supervised church meetings. They protested and were thrown
in jail. (O&B p,44) the French Protestants also left because of religious oppression of monarchial
government. (Class Notes p.3) This opens the door for Americans thinking for themselves and adds to
the American Cultural identity.
The land in Germany was all owned by the king. The land people lived on and farmed was just
rented (Class Notes p.3). This drove many Germans to migrate to America in search of their very own
land that they could do what they wanted with it. In Germany there was a few attempts to form a
representative government. Because Austria wanted to bring into the union its more than a dozen
ethnic groups, the National Assembly opted for a smaller Germany, for which they offered a constitution
to King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. The king's rejection of the constitution triggered popular
uprisings in the German states, which were in turn met by military suppression.
(http://www.everyculture.com/German-Americans.html) That made the choice to migrate to America
and get away from all that much easier for many of the immigrants.
Immigrating to America to escape a Monarchial government adds to the cultural identity of
America. By coming from a land where you have to listen and do what the government wants, then they
get here and have a greater respect for being a free American and your own boss.