Connecting historical studies of transport, mobility and migration

Abstract

This paper argues that the sub-disciplines of transport history, migration history and mobilities studies too rarely interact directly with each other, and that there is much to be gained from the integration and cross-fertilisation of different approaches. Migration historians rarely directly consider the modes of transport used to travel, and although there has been increased interaction between transport historians and mobilities scholars in recent years the full potential of such interactions is yet to be exploited. The experience of travelling, and the convenience of the modes of transport used, can significantly influence later decisions about migration and mobility. This paper calls for a greater focus on such topics and explores some of the potential benefits.