Exit or escape?

For most of the 19th Century, Spain was immersed in a period of economical, social and political instability. The fights between absolutists and liberals in Europe, as well as widespread crop failures, triggered emigration to the colonies in the New World. Many Spaniards decided to emigrate looking for a better future or due to political persecution by the authorities. But only the most adventurous found the courage to leave their families and start a new life on the other side of the world. Why did they leave? Did they ever look back? Would you be able to do the same? Where would you go?