A demographic shift refers to a significant change in the composition or characteristics of a population over time. In the context of the American colonies, it specifically refers to the changes in population size, structure, and diversity that occurred due to various factors.
Related terms
Migration: The process of individuals or groups moving from one place to another for various reasons.
Immigration: The act of coming into a new country with the intention of settling permanently.
Birth rate: The number of births per 1,000 individuals in a population within a specific time period.