| Word |
Meaning |
| 1840's |
The 1840's was period of change and upheaval in both Britain and Europe: the Mines Commission, Factory and Public Health Acts were all introduced in Britain to improve the conditions for the working classes. Many people supported Chartism and petitioned for voting rights for ordinary men. In Ireland, the population was devastated by the Irish Famine. Whilst in Europe, many countries saw unrest and revolution during this period. |
| American War of Independence |
A war between Britain and 13 north American colonies and their French allies. The war lasted from 1775 to 1783 ending in a Declaration of American Independence. |
| emigrate or emigrating |
If people emigrated, it meant that they moved all their family and belongings to another part of the world and started a new life there. |
| American Dream |
The American Dream was the idea that by moving to America, people could become wealthy, independent and successful. In contrast, if they had stayed in Britain they would be poorer and unhappier. |
| Pioneers |
The first people to move to America and set up their new lives there are often called 'pioneers' because they led the way for everyone else to follow them over to America. |
| Immigrants |
Immigrants is the name used to describe people who leave their homes and move to another country. |
| Slavery |
Slavery was legal in many Southern states up until the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution officially banned it in 1865. |
| Confederate |
During the Civil War, soldiers from the Southern states of American were known as Confederates. Confederate means someone who helps or assists with a plan. |
| Union |
Unionist soldiers in the American Civil War came from the Northern states of America. As the name suggests, Unionists wanted to keep all of the American states together. |
