Explain the reasons for and the effects of Bahamian emigration to Term Paper

Explain the reasons for and the effects of Bahamian emigration to Florida between (1870's-1920's) - Term Paper Example Why United States? The country was agricultural country, the country has strong economic foundation, and the quality of life of its citizen was comparatively better than other any country. The United States was considered to be land of opportunity, and was therefore a safe haven for the migrants from South America. The economy of the country was on road to success and expansion, and the country required large number of labour forces. The migrants were South America were therefore able to find adequate opportunities, and were able to secure economic fortunes and quality life. The status of the newly emancipated blacks in the nineteenth century provoked a wave of migration of whites to the United States. Key West played an important part in the Bahamas – Florida connection. Many whites who were living in the northern islands such as the Abacos were making a livelihood from activities such as sponging, fishing and wrecking. After emancipation these activities also became a part of the livelihood of the newly emancipated slave. The whites then found themselves in stiff competition with the blacks. This and other reasons drove them to occupy Key West which was in close proximity to the Bahamas. There racial prejudices also helped to push them at a faster rate and in greater numbers. â€Å"The Abaconians had migrated because they were ‘disgusted at the civil and religious equality of the negroes’ and were conversely attracted by the fact that Florida was a slaveholding state resolutely adhering to ‘Southern values’, where the y could ‘gratify their contemptuous dislike without stint and without reprisals’ (Craton & Saunders 218). The trend changed, however, in 1865 after the abolition of slavery in the United States. Encouraged by the possibility of job opportunities and better living conditions many black Bahamians also moved to Key West. Another wave of black Bahamian migrants