Migration and Empire: Experience of Scots Flashcards
Why did the Irish migrate to Scotland?
For seasonal work, proximity, and to stay connected with family and culture.
What were the push factors for Irish migration?
Poverty, high rents, growing population, and the Potato Famine.
Where did the Irish settle in Scotland?
Glasgow, West of Scotland, Edinburgh (Cowgate), Dundee.
What social conditions did the Irish face in Scotland?
Overcrowded slums, disease (typhus), and anti-Irish prejudice.
What role did the Catholic Church play for Irish immigrants?
Built churches, set up schools, and supported immigrants socially.
What were the economic conditions for Irish immigrants?
Worked in mining, ship-building, textiles, and construction, often in poor conditions.
How did Scots view Irish immigrants?
Tensions were high; Irish were seen as job threats and strike breakers.
How did Irish and Scots relations evolve?
Initially tense, but shared working-class experiences and intermarriage helped assimilation.
What was a significant factor in Irish assimilation?
Shared experiences in trade unions, politics, and intermarriage.
What was the role of Irish football clubs?
Clubs like Celtic and Hibernian helped Irish immigrants integrate.
Why did Italians migrate to Scotland?
Poverty, poor farming conditions, and recruitment agents attracted them.
Where did Italians settle in Scotland?
Mainly in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other areas for business opportunities.
What were the social conditions for Italians in Scotland?
Italian families maintained Catholic traditions, often not fully integrating with Scots.
What economic activities did Italians engage in?
Catering, ice cream parlours, fish and chip shops, and hairdressing.
What was the role of ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops?
They became central to Italian business success and helped Italians settle in Scotland.
How were Italian businesses perceived?
Successful, but criticised for Sunday openings and unruly behaviour.
What was the relationship between Italians and Scots?
Some tension due to religious differences and criticisms of Italian cafés.
How did the Italian community assimilate?
They did not compete for jobs, but remained an insular community.
Why did Jews migrate to Scotland?
To escape persecution (pogroms) in Russia, Ukraine, and Poland.
Where did Jews settle in Scotland?
The Gorbals in Glasgow, later moving to Pollokshields, Clarkston, and Giffnock.
What were the social conditions for Jews in Scotland?
Lived in small flats, moved in with relatives, and established strong community ties.
What role did language play for Jewish immigrants?
Many spoke Yiddish, creating a language barrier that slowed integration.
What economic activities did Jews engage in?
Tailoring, shoemaking, watchmaking, cigarette industry, hawking, and peddling.
How were Jews perceived in Scotland?
Faced prejudice and discrimination, but anti-Semitism was not widespread.
How did Jews assist each other in Scotland?
The Jewish community helped each other more than relying on local poor relief.
How did Jews assimilate in Scotland?
They stayed in their own communities, particularly in the Gorbals and Garnethill.
Why did Lithuanians migrate to Scotland?
Economic hardship, persecution by the Russian government, and work opportunities in steel industries.
Where did Lithuanians settle in Scotland?
Mainly in Coatbridge, Wishaw, and around Lanarkshire near coal mines.
What were the social conditions for Lithuanians in Scotland?
Developed their own communities, including newspapers, shops, and recreational groups.
What economic roles did Lithuanians take on in Scotland?
Worked in coal, iron, and steel industries with poor working conditions.
How were Lithuanians perceived by Scots?
Faced hostility, accusations of low moral standards, and resentment for breaking strikes.
How did Lithuanians assimilate in Scotland?
Joined strikes to improve working conditions, adopted English names, and intermarried with Scots.
How did Jewish immigrants maintain better relationships with Scots?
They supported each other during financial difficulties, avoiding reliance on Scottish Poor Relief.
What social condition was common for Jewish immigrants in Scotland?
Many Jews lived in poor, overcrowded slum conditions, particularly in the Gorbals.
What economic activity did Jewish immigrants commonly engage in?
Many Jews worked in or set up small businesses, such as tailoring and selling cloth caps.
What drove Irish immigrants to Scotland in the 19th century?
Increasing poverty in Ireland.
What contribution did Irish immigrants make to Scottish industries?
They worked on railways and helped open new sources of wealth.
How were Irish immigrants viewed by some in Scotland in the 1849 report?
They were blamed for increasing poor rates, filling jails, and reducing wages.
What involvement did Irish immigrants have in Scottish labour movements?
They participated in strikes, trade unions, and campaigns, which were often welcomed by Scottish workers.
What was the relationship between Scottish workers and Irish immigrants during sectarian riots?
Most Scottish workers remained aloof, with the riots mostly involving Protestant and Catholic Irish immigrants.
By the 1900s, what kind of community did Catholic Irish immigrants form in Scotland?
A distinct, introverted ethnic community with its own chapels, schools, and political agenda.
What career paths did Jewish immigrants often pursue in Scotland?
Many young Jews entered medicine, benefiting from Scotland’s education system.
How were Jewish immigrants viewed by the local Scottish community?
They faced hostility, with some anti-Semitic remarks, but also had support from the Christian clergy.
How did Jewish immigrants make a living in Glasgow’s Gorbals?
They worked in the clothing industry or small shops, with some selling goods door-to-door.
Why did Italian immigrants come to Scotland in the early 20th century?
Many sought to join family members already successful in the fish and chip and ice cream businesses.
What challenges did Italian café owners face in Scotland?
They worked long hours and faced disapproval from local ministers, especially for working on Sundays.
What was the experience of Italian children in Scottish schools?
They sometimes faced bullying for being “foreign,” but many adapted and integrated over time.
Why were Italians successful in the fish and chip trade in Scotland?
Italians were willing to work long hours, unlike the Scots, leading to success in this industry.
Why did Lithuanians immigrate to Scotland in the late 19th century?
They were seeking work in the coal mines, especially in North Lanarkshire.
What initial hostility did Lithuanians face in Scotland?
They were accused of breaking strikes and diluting the power of unions.
How did Lithuanians improve relations with Scottish workers?
They demonstrated loyalty to the Trade Union, gaining acceptance over time.
