People on the Move 1

People on the Move (Part 1)

Around the World

• The journey depicted in Jules Verne's novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days", showcases global travel dynamics.

• Key locations mentioned:

  • San Francisco

  • New York

  • London

  • Suez

  • Bombay

  • Calcutta

  • Hong Kong

  • Yokohama

Illustrated Routes

• Various travel durations highlighted:

  • 7 days (San Francisco to New York)

  • 13 days (San Francisco to London)

  • Total journey of 80 days exemplified.

Key Quotes

• "Todo lo que una persona puede imaginar, otros pueden hacerlo realidad" – Jules Verne

Duplicate Journey Accounts

• Thomas Stevens: Rode a penny farthing around the world (1884-1886)

• Nellie Bly: Completed the journey in 72 days (1888)

Transportation Revolution

• Construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began in 1895.

• Global railroad expansion from the 1880s:

  • Required skilled engineers from Europe/North America.

  • Manual labor sourced from China, Japan, Korea, and Italy.

• Overview of major projects:

  • Canada (1885)

  • Russia (1900)

  • U.S. contributions.

• By 1900, India had 25,000 miles of rail lines—largest construction effort in Asia during the 19th century.

Importance of Water Routes

• Key for moving food, resources, and people

• Technological advancements enhanced ship efficiency, enabling longer journeys

• Notable companies: Cunard Steamship Company (est. 1840s)

• Growth in ocean liner sizes in the 1880s catered to migrant transport.

• Suez Canal opened in 1869, enabling faster shipping routes.

Global Migration Statistics

• Between 1846-1940, migration trends highlighted:

  • Origins: Majority from Europe

  • Destinations: Primarily the Americas

  • Total migrations noted approximately 55-58 million from Europe.

• Additional migrations noted from India, China, Japan, and Africa (2.5 million from India, China, Japan).

Main International Migration Patterns

• Migratory data from 1650-1940 showcasing the movement of different nationalities:

  • Europeans (56 million)

  • Africans (37 million)

  • Indians & Chinese (51 million each)

Types of Migrants

• Global Labour Migration: Economic opportunities drove movements

  • Contracted labor (indentured) prevalent

  • Seasonal, annual, or permanent migration patterns common

  • Women's migration primarily for marriage or family businesses.

Influential Figures in Migration:

• Mahatma Gandhi:

  • Studied in England, returned to India, and became a human rights advocate

  • Significant influence on Indian independence movement after returning from South Africa.

• Lowe Kong Meng:

  • British subject educated in Malaysia and Mauritius; merchant who traded in Oceania.

  • Leader in protesting against discrimination toward Chinese migrants.

Types of Migrants: Forced Out

• Refugees often due to ethnic nationalism rise:

  • Notable events include pogroms in Russia (1880s), post-WWI upheaval leading to mass migrations including Armenian and Jewish expulsion.

• Empire Builders: Included explorers, missionaries, and colonial administrators (e.g., Gertrude Bell).

Wartime Migration Dynamics

• World War I: Significant movement of soldiers among various nationalities (e.g., 1.25 million South Asians).

• Labour demands led to migrations for wartime support, e.g., Vietnamese in French factories.

Tourism Evolution

• Luxury travel made accessible via technology and transport innovations.

  • Elite travel rose as a rite of passage (Grand Tour).

  • The Orient Express (established in 1883) became iconic.

• Mass tourism advocated by figures like Thomas Cook for the general public.

World Fairs as Reflections of Migration

• Fairs encapsulate global participation ('microcosm of the world') with diverse presentations of nations.

• Exhibit national pride but reinforce imperialistic/racist dynamics.

Passport Dynamics

• Varieties of documents shaped migration patterns; initially temporary and class-linked.

• Post-WWI: Passports became permanent with security roles.

  • Nansen Passport for refugees indicated a shift towards addressing statelessness issues.

Regulation and Exclusion

• Ethnic and national identity (e.g., the concept of 'whiteness') informed immigration policies.

  • U.S. case: Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) and subsequent regulations limiting Asian migration.

Canadian Migration Policies

• Government efforts to recruit settlers while dispossessing Indigenous populations noted.

• Restrictions during 1885 head tax targeting Asian migrants signaling systemic exclusion.

Australian Migration Policies

• Similar exclusions encountered, particularly aimed at 'colored races'.

• The 1901 Immigration Restriction Bill introduced literacy tests as part of the discriminatory practices.

W. E. B. Du Bois' Perspective

• Observed that the 20th century centered around the issue of the racial divide, which remains relevant in migration discussions.

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