An old engraving of emigrants departing the UK by ship in the late 1800s. It is from a Victorian history book of Many emigrants were Irish escaping to the UK after the Irish potato famine of 1845–49. In addition, the living conditions in many British cities were dire with many living in filthy overcrowded slums. There was also a demand for industrial and mining skills overseas. Destinations for emigrants included the USA and British colonies such as Australia, Canada and South Africa.
An old engraving of emigrants departing the UK by ship in the late 1800s. It is from a Victorian history book of Many emigrants were Irish escaping to the UK after the Irish potato famine of 1845–49. In addition, the living conditions in many British cities were dire with many living in filthy overcrowded slums. There was also a demand for industrial and mining skills overseas. Destinations for emigrants included the USA and British colonies such as Australia, Canada and South Africa. Life onboard the ships was tough. Steerage passengers had to cook and fend for themselves, crammed together on the lower decks. Overcrowding was a constant problem leading to outbreaks of cholera and typhus. Until 1850, when iron-hulled screw steamers were introduced, it took at least a month to cross the Atlantic. By the 1870s the journey times were cut as steamships became more common. Competition started to reduce fares and regulation started to improve conditions on board ship.
Size: 4252px × 3239px
Location: UK
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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