What conditions made some settlers leave their home lands?

Answer 1

In 1842, "The great famine in Ireland" was caused by failure of the potato crops. A disease called "Potato Blight" ravaged the potato crops for many years, causing mass starvation and killed nearly a million people. People in those days were "Tenants" an worked the land for rich land owners and they paid high dues to the land owners for the land they worked and the huts they lived in. Potato farming was the main industry in Ireland and also formed a critical part of their food source. So even those who survived the famine, lost their homes and land. Those lucky enough to scrape together enough for a boat ticket or able to work their passage, emigrated on mass in the hope of a new life and the promise of work. America was the prime destination - "The New World".