Experiences of Lithuanian immigrants Flashcards
Language
Churches with Lithuanian priest organised classes to encourage the continuation of the Lithuanian language. This explains the Lithuanian experience, as it allowed for man of their traditional customs to be maintained.
Newspapers
Another method of maintaining language, some Lithuanian newspapers such as ‘Immigrants friend’ were published. This explains the Lithuanian experience, as this helped them maintain their language and aided in the formation of Lithuanian communities.
Discrimination
Customs and immigration offices sometimes gave Lithuanian immigrants Scottish names on their papers, though some willingly chose to change their names to improve job prospects. This explains the Lithuanian experience, as this made it difficult for Lithuanian immigrants to maintain their identities as Lithuanians, but it made assimilation much easier.
Anglo Russian convention
Lithuanians in Scotland were often mistaken with Russians, even by the government, and the 1918 Anglo-Russian convention which allowed Russians to be deported for military service caused many Lithuanians to be deported. This explains the Lithuanian experience, as this left many dependant families without a breadwinner.
Clubs
After WWI the situation of Lithuanians improved and Lithuanian groups, such as the Lithy club in Bellshill, were founded. This explains the Lithuanian experience, as this allowed for Lithuanians to form strong communities with people who shared their identities.
Poor housing
Lithuanian immigrants often lived in poor areas near their work, such as near the mines of Ayrshire. This often meant they had to live in poor quality housing with was overcrowded and had poor sanitation. This explains the Lithuanian experience, as this led to them facing poor health.
strikebreakers
Due to the poverty many Lithuanian faced, Lithuanians were typically more willing to accept lower wages, and as such employers used them as strikebreakers. This explains the Lithuanian experience, as this led to Scots blaming Lithuanian for their lower wages, making it harder for Lithuanians to assimilate.
Stereotypes
Lithuanians were often seen by Scots as drunk, dirty or diseased. This explains the Lithuanian experience as this led to many Scots opposing their immigration, and caused some negative relations with Scots, making assimilation difficult.
