Pull Factors: What Drew Scots Abroad
Free land offers were absolutely massive draws for Scottish emigrants, especially to places like Canada. Since Scots had a reputation as skilled farmers, countries actively advertised these opportunities in Scottish newspapers. It was basically a guaranteed fresh start with the skills they already had.
Family connections made emigration feel much less scary. When family members who'd already left sent letters describing their new lives, it painted an appealing picture. Plus, having relatives abroad meant you'd have a ready-made support network to help you settle in.
Not all emigration was voluntary though. Forced emigration was real - until 1867, Australia was used as a penal colony, and many Scots faced the choice between punishment at home or starting over as convicts abroad.
The period after World War I saw economic disaster hit Scotland hard. Industries like shipbuilding and coal mining collapsed as wartime demand disappeared, leaving masses unemployed. With few jobs and wages available, emigrating to places like Canada that offered work and better pay became the only realistic option for many families.
Remember: These push and pull factors often worked together - economic hardship at home combined with opportunities abroad created the perfect storm for mass emigration.