How did primogeniture influence the motivations of the first settlers in North America?

Primogeniture, the legal practice that favored the firstborn son in inheritance matters, played a significant role in shaping the motivations of the first settlers in North America. Under this system, younger sons often found themselves without access to inheritance and the wealth that came with it, prompting them to seek other opportunities for prosperity.

As a result, many of these individuals were motivated to leave their home countries and venture to North America in pursuit of economic opportunities not available to them due to their birth order. The New World presented a chance to acquire land, resources, and wealth through agriculture, trade, or other ventures, offering a fresh start for those who would not inherit property in Europe.

This drive for economic advancement aligns with the realities of colonial America, where land ownership was directly linked to economic power and social status. The promise of land and the potential for prosperity were key motivations that drove many settlers to migrate, shaping the demographic and economic landscape of the new colonies.