Reasons for Emmigration from Europe in the 15th century
...ovement known as the Renaissance. Europe had been in a recession for nearly one hundred years. Society in Europe was very tense, the art and culture that is associated with the Renaissance was partially inspired by intense social and spiritual stress. Most of Europe were peasants and were forced to pay heavy taxes to the church. This was for the most part unafforable at the time. Many of these peasants wished to leave for the New World and start anew, free of the demanding and money hungry politics and religions. The ruling class of Europe was distancing themselves from these peasants and a great social rift was forming. As this was happening the population was great increasing. Between 1450 and 1600 the population nearly doubled. Due to poor farming techniques, many families found themselves competing for food so they could survive. Competition for food and lack of farm land made the New World very appealing to many Europeans. In 1517 a major religious reform began. A German friar named Marin Luther led a revolt against the Catholic Church, this was known as the Protestant Reformation. Protestants wanted changes to be made in the church, such as translating the bible to a language that could be read by all. In England in 1533-1534 another event caused religious unrest. King Henry VIII wished for a marriage annulment because Catherine of Aragon failed to bear him a son. The pope refused this request and Henry shortly th...