Immigrating to America in the 1800s
The journey to America was a difficult one with limited resources, harsh weather, and the trauma of seeing friends and family die. After more than two months at sea, contagious diseases easily took hold and many began to lose their grip on life. Those who survived the diseases could only hope they had chosen a decent captain and crew, so that when resources became scarce they would still be fed. The cargo hold was their sleeping, eating, and bathroom area. Space was so tight with a hundred people in a 20 by 25 foot area that people were sleeping three high on a single bunk. This treacherous journey took anywhere from 2 to 5 months. By the end of the voyage, people were so tired, hungry and ill that when they arrived they could barely make it off the boat.