Ch. 1 - A time of change

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Britain was in social, economic and intellectual turmoil. The whole way of life was being challenged and personal expectations were being transformed. The early settlers brought these new ideas and attitudes with them.Understanding a little of the society from which they  came helps put these ideas into context.


In the eighteen-twenties, poor people could travel at about 4 miles per hour (7km). Those with carriages might average 10mph (16km). By 1850 people could travel almost anywhere in an express train at 50mph (80km). Railways changed the perception of distance and of where one might go.

Steam power revolutionised manufacturing. Traditional occupations disappeared and new ones developed. A whole new class of rich and powerful people grew up, the manufacturers. They were beholden to no-one, they made a lot of money and they wanted to make more.

This wasn't all. There was a huge development in scientific thought and questioning of the moral and ethical basis of life. There was also a huge growth in population. In 1800, Britain's population was 10 million. In 1850, it was 21 million.

Such changes and growth led to great problems. Migration was seen as one solution.