Displacement

Definition

Displacement is the forced movement of people from their locality or environment and occupational activities. It often occurs due to factors such as war, persecution, natural disaster or large-scale development projects.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: This was a widely held belief in 19th-century United States that American settlers were destined by God to expand across North America, which led to displacement of many Native American tribes.

Indian Removal Act: A law passed in 1830 under President Andrew Jackson's administration that authorized the government to displace Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River.

Refugees: These are people who have been displaced from their home country and cannot return for fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality or political opinion.