Topic > Migration to the Appalachian Hinterland in Albion's Seed, a Book by David Hackett Fischer

This chapter of David Hackett Fischer's book Albion's Seed focuses on the migration of people from northern England to the Appalachian Hinterland. This period of migration took place between 1717 and 1775. Although this migration occurred over the course of many years, approximately two-thirds of those who traveled from England arrived in the decade 1765-1775 (605-608). But these British colonists were not alone. Thousands of immigrants have flooded American shores from Northern Ireland and Scotland. A surprisingly large amount of these newcomers were women, with a sex ratio of around 149 males for every 100 females coming from Scotland in the 1770s (610). Because these immigrants came from different regions of Europe, there was a different mix of ideas when they met in America. Fischer analyzes the “folkways” (cultural customs and social values) of these migrants and the integral effects they had on Appalachian culture and American society as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The folkways of these backcountry settlers were complicated and layered, yet Fischer summarizes them and draws connections between them in a way that paints a clear picture of how this backcountry society functioned. From their ideas about family and marriage to ideas about rank, power, and religion, their folk customs created a unique social environment that helped shape the future of American culture. Like many other societies, their religious ideas penetrated all other areas of their culture. These remote churches were less likely to accept the heavily structured parishes with established clergy that many other British colonists used as a means of worship. But these farmers were still tied to their religious beliefs that were an integral part of their culture (703). Because these immigrants came from different backgrounds, there were many religious denominations represented during this period, and their religious ways were the basis for their society during this period of colonial history. Presbyterians especially made their mark in these areas of Appalachia in America during this period. Although their beliefs were heavily based on the Bible, religion and superstition often blurred together in these remote societies. People became obsessed with the idea of ​​witchcraft and sorcery, much of which is still practiced in these areas of America in modern times. Folklore about witches and goblins living in the mountains became as easily believable as the Bible stories themselves (709). This blend of religious faith and superstitious ideas that began with these early settlers is still alive and well today in many inland societies. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The deluge of immigrants who moved from Northern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland to remote parts of America over a span of nearly 60 years brought new culture and diversity to the American cultural landscape . They brought with them popular habits and customs, which were strongly influenced by their religious ideas, as happens in most societies. Fischer's analysis of this wave of new American arrivals elucidates a complicated mix of folkways from different regions of Britain. It explains how they banded together and created a new society while taming America's wild mountain country. Their.