The experience of Lithuanians in Scotland Flashcards
World War One
Considered by the Britain Government as Russians. Lithuanians faced the choice of conscription in to the British army or forced deportation for military service to Russia. This split the Lithuanian community- of the 1800 Lithuanians called up, 700 joined the British army and 1100 chose to be deported to Russia. After the war, the British Government withdrew financial allowances for Lithuanian women whose husbands had not returned from Russia, forcing 600 Lithuanian women and children to return to Russian soil. The ability of the Lithuanians to keep a distinct identity and community in Scotland was slowly lost.
Politics
After the Russian Revolution in 1917, some Scot’s views Lithuanians with suspicion as a Communist threat.
Mining
Immigration from Lithuania was met with hostility as it was believed that foreigners had been brought into the Ayrshire coalfields to break strikes and dilute the power of the unions. In the early years, Lithuanians were often employed in mining during strikes and Scots accuses them of driving down wages. In 1897, the Ayrshire Miners Union led by Kier Hardie demanded their removal from the pits. Friction further intensified after 1900 as depression in the coal trade caused successive reductions in miners wages while Lithuanian immigration into the labour market continued.
Language
To begin with, Lithuanians maintained a distinct sense of identity. The community maintained Lithuanian speaking shops and insurance societies. Lithuanian w were published such as “Vestel and “Time”. Many Lithuanians living in Scotland, particularly first generation females, never learned to speak english.
Trade unions
In time, Lithuanians have a convincing display of loyalty to the Trade Union movement which improved relations with Scots. Many Lithuanians were involved in the working class fight- including strike action- for better working conditions.
Main topics
- World War One
- Language
- Trade Unions
- Mining
- Surnames
- Politics
