The genesis for this book came from the many years I have spent investigating economic aspects of European immigration to the United States during the antebellum period. Although my initial interest concerned the mortality experienced by the immigrants on the voyage, soon I began working on broader topics. However, writing this book quickly convinced me how little I really knew about many aspects of antebellum immigration. I have increased my knowledge of the economics of antebellum immigration many times over because I have been required to address topics I had not previously considered. The result is a comprehensive economic analysis of European immigration to the antebellum United States. I consider the immigrants in the various European countries, on the voyage, and in the United States, as well as analyze the reasons that immigration occurred and its effects on the United States. Thus, although parts of this book repeat the findings in some of my earlier work, much of the material and explanations are new.

Although my ancestors arrived in the United States well after the antebellum period, the years before the Civil War have always fascinated me. Fundamental changes occurred in the economy, as Jefferson's dream of a country of gentlemen farmers was overtaken by the reality of the growth of manufacturing and large cities. Immigration certainly played a part in these changes, a part I believe has never been fully appreciated.