5. The migration history of Spain and the world

GLOBAL MIGRATION

The triangular trade

The forced displacement of 10 to 20 million slaves from Africa to America between 1550 and 1850 led to the depopulation of the Guinean coast, and to an increase in population in the United States, Brazil and the Caribbean.

The boats that left Europe carried mirrors, fabric and glass to Africa. These products were exchanged for slaves. The slaves were taken to America, where they were sold. The boats left America with tobacco, cotton, sugar and cocoa to be sold in Europe. This is known as the triangular trade.

Europe​

Europe's position between Africa and Asia, its geographical diversity and volatile history have produced migration in the continent. Examples include the 4th and 5th century Germanic migration and the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula.

After the discovery of America, Europeans emigrated to the New World. Later on, the Industrial Revolution led to significant internal migration towards industrial regions, particularly in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy.

As a result of the Second World War, millions of Poles and Germans were displaced westwards. In the 1960s and 1970s, people emigrated from Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece to more developed countries such as Germany. Industrial development also produced internal migration from rural to urban areas.

Central and South America

There were two principal waves of immigration in the Early Modern Age: European colonists who came mainly from Spain and Portugal, and African slaves. After their independence, these countries received many immigrants from Spain and Italy.

North America

The population of the United States is the result of a continual influx of immigrants. This process began with the arrival of British colonists and African slaves in the 17th century. After American independence in 1776, immigrants from Germany, Scandinavia and Central Europe began to arrive. In the late 19th century immigrants came from Ireland, Italy and China. From the mid-20th century onwards, immigrants came mainly from Asia and Latin America.

Asia

The Mongolian invasions led to significant migration in Central Asia. In the 16th century Russia began to colonise Siberia. More recently, internal migration in China has seen millions of people move from rural to urban areas.

Africa

In the 13th century, the Bantu peoples began to migrate from West Africa towards the east and south. In the 17th century Dutch colonists began to arrive in South Africa. In the late 19th century the European imperial powers divided up Africa, establishing colonies.

Australia

The first immigrants to Australia were British convicts. In the 19th century immigrants began to arrive from other European countries.