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The economic history of migration: the pre-World War One USA as lens

In: International Handbook on Migration and Economic Development

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  • Robert A. Margo

Abstract

This chapter briefly surveys the principal issues in the economic history of international migration. As a way of framing this vast, unruly topic, I view the issues through the lens of the nation receiving the majority of immigrants historically – the United States prior to World War One. I begin by discussing the economic theory of migration, followed by the history of population movement to the New World from 1500 to 1800. Next, I recount the “Age of Mass Migration”, framed around the important project by Timothy Hatton and Jeffrey G. Williamson. The essay concludes with a discussion of the WWI-era legislation that “closed the door” to the United States and the internal migration of African-Americans that it prompted.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert A. Margo, 2014. "The economic history of migration: the pre-World War One USA as lens," Chapters, in: Robert E.B. Lucas (ed.), International Handbook on Migration and Economic Development, chapter 3, pages 42-64, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:15465_3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    11. Robert A. Margo, 2000. "Introduction to "Wages and Labor Markets in the United States, 1820-1860"," NBER Chapters, in: Wages and Labor Markets in the United States, 1820-1860, pages 1-5, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    12. Robert A. Margo, 1990. "Race and Schooling in the South, 1880-1950: An Economic History," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number marg90-1, March.
    13. Ran Abramitzky & Leah Platt Boustan & Katherine Eriksson, 2014. "A Nation of Immigrants: Assimilation and Economic Outcomes in the Age of Mass Migration," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 122(3), pages 467-506.
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