Large numbers of Irish, Italian, Lithuanian and Jewish immigrants to Scotland in the 1800s and 1900s significantly impacted Scottish society in several ways. The influx of immigrants helped increase Scotland's population as many Scots were emigrating. It also changed the religious makeup of Scotland as most immigrants were Catholic, requiring new churches to be built. Immigrants faced discrimination and poverty, living in overcrowded housing and worse health conditions. However, they also became politically active and helped establish the Scottish Labour Party while campaigning for workers' rights through trade unions.

1. Migration &
Empire,
1830-1939
Impact of immigrants in
Scotland - society

2. In today’s class I am learning to:
• Describe ways that Scottish society
changed as a result of immigration into
the country
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

3. Irish, Italian, Lithuanian and Jewish immigrants each
had a major impact on Scottish life, bringing
changes to various aspects of society.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

4. The most obvious social
impact of immigration was
that it affected the
country’s population.
Many Scots emigrated
during the 1800s and
1900s, so large numbers
of immigrants helped
maintain and even
increased the population.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

5. Many of these immigrants
married within their own
communities.
However others married
Scots. For instance around
two thirds of Irish
immigrants to Dundee in
the 1800s were women,
inevitably leading to more
Scots/Irish marriages.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

6. Mass immigration also
changed the type of
people living in Scotland.
Most Scots were
Protestant but huge
numbers of Irish, Italian
and Lithuanian immigrants
were Catholic, and a
Jewish community
emerged too.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

7. These new religious
groups changed the shape
of worship in Scotland.
More Catholic churches
were built in areas right
across Scotland.
In addition some Jewish
synagogues were built
too, mainly in Glasgow
and Edinburgh.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

8. The immigrants also
wanted an education but
sometimes immigrant
teachers and pupils faced
discrimination.
The Catholic Church
opened schools, although
from 1918 onwards these
were then run by the
British government.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

9. This increased population
put pressure on Scotland’s
housing supply.
Most immigrants were
poor so lived in some of
the country’s worst
housing. This led to
greater levels of
overcrowding, and
resentment from Scots.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

10. During the 1800s around
40% of Irish immigrants
lived in single ends (one
roomed homes).
These houses had an
average of five people
living there, however
some Irish homes in
Edinburgh were found to
have up to 15.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

11. The influx of immigrants
led to negative Scottish
views, especially to do
with health and crime.
The Irish were accused of
drinking too much and
being violent, not helped
by religious battles
between Catholic and
Protestant Irish.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

12. Many immigrants were
often poor and more likely
to have diseases when
they first arrived, creating
a negative impression.
Jewish immigrants were
also accused of being
responsible for an
outbreak of cholera in
Glasgow in the late-1800s.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

13. Immigrants were often
attracted to politics as a
way of integrating but also
improving their lives.
Many Irish immigrants to
Scotland played a key role
in setting up the Scottish
Labour Party, and then
were elected as
councillors and MPs.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

14. Some immigrants
supported established
parties like the Liberals.
However many Irish
people were attracted by
Labour’s promises of
better housing and
working conditions, and
also giving Home Rule to
Ireland.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

15. James Connolly was born
in Edinburgh to Irish
parents. He was involved
in trade unions but later
led the 1916 Easter Rising
in Ireland.
John Wheatley was an
Irishman who became a
Labour MP and
government minister.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society

16. Other migrants –
especially Lithuanians and
Irish – became involved in
trade unions.
They set up groups (like
the Glasgow Cotton
Spinners Association) and
campaigned for improved
workplace rights and
conditions.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - society