Scottish emigrantion/ migration and empire Flashcards
Reasons for the migration of scots
Problems in Scotland - The failure of the potato and other crops meant that many people in Scotland were poor and starving.
Scots convicted of criminal offences were often transported to countries such as Australia.
Improved transportation-
Improved transport (steam ships and railways) made it possible to travel longer distances and more quickly. Improved transport also encouraged Scots to move abroad because they would not be without earnings for long and could return if necessary.
Improved transport links within Scotland helped families reach ports such as Glasgow where they could sail onwards to other countries.
Employment and a Better life -
The Gold rushes in California in 1849 and Australia in 1851 attracted many in the hope of becoming rich.
Some Scots felt compelled to do missionary work and spread Christianity in the Empire.
Problems faced by Scot’s emigrants
Early settlers had taken most of the good land near the coasts so later arrivals had to travel further, often to more difficult land and terrain.
Native peoples displaced by the settlers became hostile, leading to fighting and bloodshed, for example in the USA and New Zealand.
Scots - especially Highland Scots - were often extremely homesick so did not settle happily.
Highland Scots who did not speak English sometimes had difficulty being accepted in English speaking areas such as Western Australia.
Some Scots had difficulties finding work if they didn’t have a trade.
Some Scots did not settle abroad and returned to Scotland.
Successful experiences of scots emigrants
Scots who emigrated often had skills which were in demand in their new homeland, which meant they prospered, particularly farmers, granite workers, stonemasons, handloom weavers and seamen.
Scots were experienced in finance and banking which meant that these skills were much in demand in their new homelands.
Professional workers such as doctors, lawyers, engineers and teachers were highly skilled and found work easily.
Scots were often relatively well educated which meant took on leadership roles in their new communities eg, in education, politics and finance.
Scots gained a reputation as being hardworking which meant that employers were often keen to hire them.
Many Scots had an entrepreneurial attitude and set up their own businesses which meant that there were role models of Scots who became wealthy.
Scots maintaining traditional ways of life
Scots emigrants continued to speak Gaelic and taught Gaelic to their children.
Formed Caledonian clubs and societies eg, St Andrews societies and Masonic Lodges.
Scots continued to eat traditional foods eg, haggis.
They wore tartan/created new local tartans and celebrated Tartan Day in Australia.
Scots emigrants established Highland Games in other countries.
Emigrants founded golf clubs and promoted other popular Scottish sports such as football.
