Experience of Scots Abroad - Irish

Question 1

Reasons for Irish Immigration

Answer 1

1. Ireland suffered from poor harvests which leaded to widespread poverty, The Great Famine, caused by the potato blight in the mid-19th century, created severe famine conditions, forcing many Irish to flee in search of food and survival.
2. Scotland was geographically close to Ireland, making travel relatively simple and affordable. The short journey across the Irish Sea provided a straightforward and economical route for Irish migrants seeking better opportunities.
3. Irish migrants who had already settled in Scotland encouraged friends and family to join them, often by writing letters home about the advantages of life in Scotland. This support network made the decision to migrate easier, as new arrivals would often have a community waiting to help them adjust
4. Scotland’s economy was expanding and there was a demand for labour , this meant there plenty of jobs available, especially in Manual Labour and Wages were higher than in Ireland allowing them to earn a better income.
5. Scottish employers recognised the need for labour and offered incentives to attract Irish workers such as paying for travel and housing costs.

Question 2

4 Positive experience of Irish Migrations

Answer 2

1. The Irish found employment that was essential to Scotland’s economy such as coal mining. These jobs offered higher wages than in Ireland.
2. Over time, Irish immigrants established close-knit communities where they could support each other.
3. The Catholic Church established community organisations such as Celtic Football Club. This s helped them settle and adjust to life in Scotland, allowing them to retain cultural ties while integrating into Scottish society.
4. he growth of Irish Catholic communities led to the establishment of Catholic churches, schools, and organisations across Scotland, especially after the 1918 Education Act allowed for Catholic schooling.

Question 3

3 Negatives of Irish Immigration

Answer 3

1. rish immigrants often lived in poor conditions, facing issues like overcrowding, unsanitary housing, and disease.
2. During economic downturns, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, workplace discrimination against Catholics intensified as Scots resented Irish workers who were perceived to accept lower wages.
3. Irish immigrants faced significant prejudice and discrimination, particularly against Irish Catholics.

Question 4

4 Negatives of Catholic Irish

Answer 4

1. Many scots are disgusted at the poverty and disease of the irish
2. Scots saw them as competition for Jobs

3.Accused of being strike breakers and willing to work for less money

4. Scots are concerned they would lose control of security and culture.

Question 5

3 Positives of the Catholic Irish

Answer 5

1. Labour party gained a lot of suport from the catholic population
2. Mixed Marriages between catholic and protestant become more common.
3. Scots welcomed support in unions and strikes.