Föra politik med fötterna : Grundandet av två Sierra Leone-kolonier från ett migrationshistoriskt perspektiv, 1786–1794

This thesis examines the establishment of two British Sierra Leone colonies during the years 1787 and 1792 as migration phenomenons. While previous research has given much attention to the two colonies because of their peculiar origin and links to the abolition movement, fewer studies considers how the two stack up against other forms of early modern migration, the impact by individual resources on migration routes and mobility decisions, and how migration became interlinked to political and social upheaval of the times. Even fewer works has considered the integration of the arrivals in Africa from a functionalist viewpoint. Deploying a qualitative method with quantitative elements, this discourse-altering perspective reveals several interesting results. First, like other forms of migration during this era, transport and information was key. Second, the two outward migrations to West Africa could be described as betterment migration for those involved; a close analysis of passenger lists and similar sources reveals a notable presence of migrants with origins in regions where North American slavery provided more means of acquiring independent resources. Third, actions of African American migrants before and after the American revolution secured symbolic recognition and important alliances with powerful political players during this time. The migrants could use this strategic position to secure further resources, political demands and new migration routes. Fourth, migrants' outcome in the recipient area was highly linked to the ability of utilizing local economic and political parameters of transatlantic commerce. The overarching conclusion of this thesis has thus been a normalization of the colonies' establishment. They were part of the displacement of people in conjunction with the development of trade. Importantly, migrating to the colonies are an example of displacement creating opportunities for those effected by the labor regime in the Americas to better their situation in Africa.