Reasons for Emigration of Scots (pull) Flashcards
Land
Scots were known as good farmers and some countries, such as Canada, offered free land to Scots emigrants.
Wages
Scotland was a relatively low wage economy and more could be earned overseas, particularly by skilled workers. For example, it would have taken a granite worker in Aberdeen a week to earn what he could earn in one and half days in America.
Family ties
The importance of the letter home, encouraging family members to join them in a new, exciting life abroad should not be underestimated. Fellow Scots were provided a reassuring support network of accommodation and jobs which further encouraged Scots to emigrate.
Emigration Agents
In the 19th century a network of emigration agents in Scotland were employed by countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Canada for example employed two full-time agents to tour markets, agricultural fairs and village halls. The New Zealand agent, John Adam is estimated to have encouraged 4000 Scots to emigrate in 1858. Posters and guide books were also published promoting the benefits of emigration- such as land, jobs and climate.
Forced emigration
Until 1867, Australia was used as a place to send “transport” criminals. Around 7000 of those forced to the penal colonies were Scottish.
British Government assistance
British government saw immigration as a useful “safety-valve” against high levels of unemployment. Under the 1922 Empire Settlement Act, the government committed up to £3million a year, including loans and grants, to help with passage to the colonies and to fund training courses for emigrants.
Charities and Societies
Scots were encouraged to emigrate due to the help offered by charities and societies. The Highlands and Islands immigration society raised money and help poor crofters to leave Scotland for Australia and Canada.
Transport
Cheaper and quicker transport encouraged emigration. Introduction of steam ships in the middle of the 19th century meant the journey time to North America was drastically reduced - from 6 weeks (under sail) to 1 week by 1914.
Climate
Countries overseas offered a pleasant climate which contrasted with the cold and wet weather endured in Scotland.
Industrial decline
Post WW1, traditional heavy industries in Scotland- such as shipbuilding, coal mining and jute- struggled leading to mass unemployment in towns and cities in the central belt of Scotland.
Landlord assistance
In the highlands, some landowners turned to emigration as a means of removing people from their estate and paid the cost of travel abroad. For example, James Matheson, landowner on the island of Lewis, paid the fares overseas of over 2’200 tenants by 1856.
Newspapers
Newspapers in Scotland published articles in support of emigration to the United states of America, Australia and New Zealand.
Promise of Riches
Some Scots were aftertastes to emigrate by the investment opportunities abroad in farming, mining and in the railways. Other Scots were encouraged to emigrate in search of gaining quick wealth as a result of the discovery of gold.
Main topics (13)
- Land
- Wages
- Family ties
- Emigration agents
- Forced emigrants
- Transport
- British Government assistance
- Charities and societies
- Climate
- Industrial decline
- Landlord assistance
- Promise of riches
