Why did people emigrate abroad? Flashcards
What were land holdings?
Land holdings were smaller farms that were consolidated to create larger farms of 200 acres only requiring 6 men to work.
Why did land holdings encourage people to leave their homes?
Land holdings created a large number of landless labourers. Workers lived in accommodations tied to their job, meaning if they became unemployed, they also became homeless.
Why was it almost impossible for Lowlanders to own land?
It was almost impossible for Lowlanders to own land as the subdivision of land was prevented by strict controls. The cost of trying to compete with ‘muckle farmers’ was also too expensive.
In what way was migration a tradition in the Lowlands?
Movement was a way of life in the Lowlands. Farm hands were contracted for six or twelve months, meaning they readily looked for better opportunities after this time.
What changes took place in farming methods?
The introduction of modern farming techniques reduced the number of labourers required on farms. The self binding reaper meant that it now took 12 days to tend an acre of barley as opposed to 22 days previously. The potato digger also resulted in less labourers being required.
How did modern farming techniques contribute to migration?
The invention of modern farming techniques, such as the 20th century tractor, reduced the need for men. The decline in horses also meant that blacksmiths were needed less. The loss of employment in farming forced people to migrate in search for work.
Why did skilled craftsmen lose their jobs in the 19th century?
Whilst the introduction of new factories and industrialisation provided jobs in the towns, it signalled the end of craftsmen. With industrialisation, the goods craftsmen created could now be produced much more cheaply and quickly than before in the factories. The craftsmen could not compete with the cheap urban prices and were forced out of business.
How did the railway contribute to migration?
The growing railway network was used to infiltrate the craftsmen’s local market by having the ability to spread their cheap products through many towns and villages.
What jobs attracted people to the towns?
The growth in the number of factories and development of heavy industries such as steel works, iron works, mining and shipbuilding offered jobs to many who could no longer sustain themselves on the land.
In what way did the wages attract lowlanders to the central belt and towns?
Many jobs in the towns and cities could still offer wages to workers that were 50% higher.
Why was life hard working on farms?
Even as late as WW1, dairy women could be up as early as 2am to work a 16 hour day, with ploughmen rising at 5am to work until after 6pm.
Why were people attracted to the central belt?
Some chose to move to the central belt because they were attracted by the cultural attractions in the town, such as ice-cream parlours, cinemas and dance halls. Internal migration from countryside to towns was also caused by a desire for the higher wages offered in the town and less harsh working hours and conditions of the farms.
Why did crofters struggle to make a living relying on crofting?
The quality of land in the Highlands made life a struggle. Due to growing population and the subdivision of land between generations, crofters ended up with pieces of land that were unable to give a livelihood. Poor soil quality and weather made farming in the Highlands a far more difficult prospect than in the Lowlands.
Why did many crofters rely on the potato?
The potato became the staple diet for many because of this. It was one of the few crops that would usually guarantee a successful harvest.
Why did the arrival of blight contribute to migration?
In 1846 a potato famine blighted the Highlands. Disease wiped out the potato crop, leaving many communities devastated - potatoes had been one of the few crops that grew well on their crofts. Many people relied on them as their staple food; for example, 80% of Mull’s population existed solely on potatoes. People faced the option of migrating or starving.
