The countries of Central Europe had been forced to combat the problem of overpopulation very early on. Even though the plague and famine of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) had drastically reduced population numbers, a relatively long period of recovery during the 18th century had begun to usher back the old problems.

An increasing number of people believed they could find a better income beyond the limitations of their homeland. They emigrated, first to Eastern Europe and then, during the 19th century, many went West. They saw America as the "Promised Land" where anyone could earn a good living, a place with more than enough farmland for everyone that was just waiting to be cultivated. Last but not least, there was the dream of freedom for all.