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Emigration from the UK 1870-1913: Quantity and Quality

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  • Timothy J. Hatton

Abstract

In this paper I revisit the determinants of emigration from the UK during the age of mass migration from 1870 to 1913. During those years the cumulative gross outflow was 10 million while the net outflow of nearly 6 million amounted to 13 percent of the UK population in 1913. I focus on the determinants of emigration to the three principal destinations, the USA, Canada and Australia and New Zealand combined. In the absence of restrictive immigration policies, the flow of emigration to these destinations responded to economic shocks and trends. I also investigate differences in the skill content of emigration, as represented by the occupational composition of adult male emigrants to these three destinations. Emigrants to Australia and New Zealand were more skilled on average than those heading across the Atlantic, a feature that does not correspond well with skill differentials in the manner predicted by the Roy model. While assisted passages (subsidised fares) increased the volume of emigration to Australia and New Zealand they cannot account for its higher skill content.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy J. Hatton, 2019. "Emigration from the UK 1870-1913: Quantity and Quality," CEH Discussion Papers 07, Centre for Economic History, Research School of Economics, Australian National University.
    • Handle: RePEc:auu:hpaper:079
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    File URL: https://cbe.anu.edu.au/researchpapers/CEH/WP201907.pdf
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    1. Laura Panza & Jeffrey G. Williamson, 2021. "Always egalitarian? Australian earnings inequality 1870–1910," Australian Economic History Review, Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(2), pages 228-246, July.

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