Migration and Empire: Migration of Scots Flashcards
What is emigration?
The act of leaving one’s homeland or country to settle in another.
From whose perspective is emigration viewed?
The perspective of the person’s origins.
What is immigration?
The act of coming to and settling in a new country from one’s original country.
From whose perspective is immigration viewed?
The perspective of the person’s new home.
Why did Scots move to the Lowlands in search of work?
They suffered from a lack of good employment opportunities in the Highlands and islands.
How did harsh conditions in the Highlands influence migration?
Poor weather led to bad harvests, causing poverty and famine, prompting Scots to move.
What impact did the Agricultural Revolution have on migration?
Mechanisation and technological advancements reduced the need for farm workers, leading Scots to move to cities.
How did transportation improvements encourage migration?
Railways and other transport advancements made travel easier and quicker, making moving more attractive.
What were the attractions of big cities for Scots?
More employment opportunities, better wages, and easier work compared to Highland conditions.
How did the failure of the fishing and kelp industries affect migration?
It caused high unemployment in the Highlands, especially after WWI, leading to internal migration for work.
How did poverty drive internal migration in Scotland?
Families in poor housing and unable to provide for their children moved in search of a better life.
How did temporary migration lead to permanent migration?
Seasonal work experiences in cities often encouraged workers to relocate permanently.
Why was overpopulation of the Highlands a problem in the 18th century?
Population growth made surplus population a liability, leading to encouragement or forced relocation of tenants.
What were the Highland Clearances?
Attempts to create profitable sheep farms by forcibly removing Highland residents who had to find new lives elsewhere.
How did lack of opportunity drive migration from the Highlands?
Domineering landlords and limited opportunities in employment and education pushed many to leave in search of a better future.
How did developments in Highland tourism affect migration?
Landowners cleared tenants to create gaming reserves for activities like deer stalking and grouse shooting.
What was the impact of the potato blight of 1847 in Scotland?
It left thousands of Highlanders near starvation, as there were no alternative crops and harsh conditions on the land.
Why were Scots’ skills in high demand abroad?
Scots were skilled and educated, such as engineers, miners, and farmers, and their abilities were sought after in developed industrial economies abroad.
How did the collapse of the fishing and kelp industries impact migration?
It caused high unemployment in the Highlands, especially after WWI, prompting internal migration for work.
How did emigration agencies influence Scots to move abroad?
They actively worked to attract emigrants, with countries like New Zealand and Australia offering free passages and guaranteed work.
What government schemes supported emigration?
Schemes like the Highland and Islands Emigration Society assisted people in moving abroad.
How did the success of Scots emigrants encourage others to emigrate?
Success stories from emigrants in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, shared through letters, visits, or posters, motivated others to follow.
What career opportunities abroad attracted Scots?
Government service and army roles in India, as well as industries like jute in Calcutta and tea plantations, provided lucrative opportunities.
What opportunities existed for unskilled workers abroad?
Unskilled workers, like domestic servants, could earn double their wages in countries like Canada.
How did the transport revolution influence emigration?
Steamships greatly reduced travel times, making emigration to places like America and Australia more appealing.
How did the gold rush in Australia attract Scots?
The discovery of gold in 1851 and a booming economy encouraged Scots to move to Australia in hopes of making their fortunes.
What were the Highland Clearances?
Efforts to create profitable sheep farms by forcibly removing Highland residents who had to seek new lives elsewhere.
Why were promises of free or cheap land abroad attractive to Scots?
Farmers who could not previously own the land they worked on were drawn to opportunities in countries like Canada and New Zealand.
What impact did the potato blight of 1847 have on Highlanders?
It left thousands close to starvation, as harsh land conditions and a lack of alternative crops made survival difficult.
After World War One, why did many Scots move to Canada?
There were more job opportunities abroad as demand for heavy industries in Scotland declined.
Which island saw thousands of crofters cleared during the Highland Clearances?
The island of Skye.
How did steamships make migration more appealing?
They reduced the journey to America from 6 weeks to 1 week.
What examples of social prospects attracted Scots to big cities like Glasgow?
Pubs, cinemas, football on Saturdays, and the possibility of finding a partner.
How did railways make internal migration within Scotland easier?
Journeys, such as from the Highlands to Glasgow, were reduced from days on foot to hours by train.
What examples of communication encouraged Scots to emigrate?
Letters home, visits by agents, and posters advertising opportunities abroad.
What issue with land division forced Highland crofters’ sons to migrate?
Land was subdivided multiple times, making it impossible to live off smaller plots.
How did some Highland landlords enable migration?
They paid for boat passages abroad or provided essentials like blankets for the journey.
How did the collapse of the kelp trade contribute to Scottish migration?
Many Scots relied on the kelp trade for their livelihoods, and its collapse forced them to move elsewhere for work.
How did the potato blight impact Scottish migration?
During the famine caused by the potato blight, many Scots moved internally or emigrated to find better lives and feed their families.
What example demonstrates how landlords encouraged emigration to Canada?
Gordon chartered five ships to transport 1,700 people from his Hebridean properties to Canada.
How did some landlords assist Scots with emigration?
Many landlords paid for their tenants’ fares to make it easier for them to leave Scotland.
How did the Duke of Argyll encourage migration?
He funded emigration to Canada, offering free passage to escape hardship.
