The Highland Clearances: Explained Documentary
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Date: 2022-07-19
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Comments and reviews: 20
Stephen
Actually, I really dont think this does the issue justice. One (of the many) contributors to the Highland Clearances was that the slowly increasing lifespan of the Scots resulted in a population growth that simply could not be supported by the fairly poor soil in the Highlands especially when combined with the fairly short growing season. When children came of age and started their own families, there became less ans less arable Land with which to support the families. The Croft system required these (essentially) tenant farmers to pay a rent they could not afford, and their landlords would have to displace them. Sheep were much more economically feasible, and the crofters would slowly become displaced. If I can determine the name of the book I read on this subject, I will post it here. One means to combat the severe food shortages resulting from the stresses on the land from population growth was the introduction of potatoes to replace much lower yield grains. Unfortunately, this backfired during the Irish and Scottish potato famines, which occurred when a fungus ruined several years crops in a row. This was another major contributor to the Clearances not discussed in this video.
So, while this video is not really inaccurate, it is really incomplete, omitting many factors that really made the Clearances inevitable, even in the kindest of times. The clan system, as old and traditional, even quaint as it may have been, was not going to support the Highland population of the 18th and 19th centuries. I give this one a C- as it really does not do the issue justice.
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Actually, I really dont think this does the issue justice. One (of the many) contributors to the Highland Clearances was that the slowly increasing lifespan of the Scots resulted in a population growth that simply could not be supported by the fairly poor soil in the Highlands especially when combined with the fairly short growing season. When children came of age and started their own families, there became less ans less arable Land with which to support the families. The Croft system required these (essentially) tenant farmers to pay a rent they could not afford, and their landlords would have to displace them. Sheep were much more economically feasible, and the crofters would slowly become displaced. If I can determine the name of the book I read on this subject, I will post it here. One means to combat the severe food shortages resulting from the stresses on the land from population growth was the introduction of potatoes to replace much lower yield grains. Unfortunately, this backfired during the Irish and Scottish potato famines, which occurred when a fungus ruined several years crops in a row. This was another major contributor to the Clearances not discussed in this video.
So, while this video is not really inaccurate, it is really incomplete, omitting many factors that really made the Clearances inevitable, even in the kindest of times. The clan system, as old and traditional, even quaint as it may have been, was not going to support the Highland population of the 18th and 19th centuries. I give this one a C- as it really does not do the issue justice.
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jigi
Nice video. I thought that the Highland Clearance started a bit earlier, in late 18th century, when sheep wool became the input of the most successful English industry, mechanised textile industry.
So the clans' chiefs decided to replace the traditional bulls and cows by sheep. As sheeps are much more damageable to the land, and requires far less people to attend them due to their sheepish habit of crowding by hundreds, English and Scottish economic advisors demonstrated that the clan's lord could do much more money by sending his people oversea. English lawyers and soldiers were at hand to persuade the Highlanders who would protest on the ground of tradition and protection duty of the chief.
One of the main destination was British Antillas, by far the most profitable and work-heavy agriculture. But Highlanders could not stand the climate and perished by thousands before being relocated to North America.
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Nice video. I thought that the Highland Clearance started a bit earlier, in late 18th century, when sheep wool became the input of the most successful English industry, mechanised textile industry.
So the clans' chiefs decided to replace the traditional bulls and cows by sheep. As sheeps are much more damageable to the land, and requires far less people to attend them due to their sheepish habit of crowding by hundreds, English and Scottish economic advisors demonstrated that the clan's lord could do much more money by sending his people oversea. English lawyers and soldiers were at hand to persuade the Highlanders who would protest on the ground of tradition and protection duty of the chief.
One of the main destination was British Antillas, by far the most profitable and work-heavy agriculture. But Highlanders could not stand the climate and perished by thousands before being relocated to North America.
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Ruth
My paternal Scottish side were booted from the Isle of Iona in 1849 by the Duke of Argyll. it was a family of 9 children, the second oldest son made his way to Canada (working on a ship. the youngest son joined the military and was sent to guard prisoners on their way to Australia. The first quit the ship when he got to Canada and the other just stayed in Australia. that was 1849. the rest of the family remained in Scotland and died as paupers. I descend from the one who came to Canada. He settled in the woods of Ontario Canada, opened up the first lumber mill and became wealthy. By the time he had acquired enough to send for his parents they had died. he lost track of his siblings. I have recently made contact however, with the descendants of the one who went to Australia. He ended up a sheep rancher who prospered as well.
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My paternal Scottish side were booted from the Isle of Iona in 1849 by the Duke of Argyll. it was a family of 9 children, the second oldest son made his way to Canada (working on a ship. the youngest son joined the military and was sent to guard prisoners on their way to Australia. The first quit the ship when he got to Canada and the other just stayed in Australia. that was 1849. the rest of the family remained in Scotland and died as paupers. I descend from the one who came to Canada. He settled in the woods of Ontario Canada, opened up the first lumber mill and became wealthy. By the time he had acquired enough to send for his parents they had died. he lost track of his siblings. I have recently made contact however, with the descendants of the one who went to Australia. He ended up a sheep rancher who prospered as well.
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Mahrai
They backed the house of Stewart because it was their monarchic house from before James VI (James I of the UK, and they saw their monarchic line deposed without their consent.
It wasnt so much to do with religion. Religion was used as a justifier by both sides, which makes sense in the time.
But still a great video. Cut mostly to the chase as always
Keep it simple, but dont miss the important bits
(Rewatching this video, I think you kind of made the point, but brushed over it too quickly, as if it was an afterthought when it was very much a forethought in the Jacobite rebellions - literally what they obsessed over for over a century - so Ill give this B+/A-. Great video, with things Id like to see explained in another video for context)
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They backed the house of Stewart because it was their monarchic house from before James VI (James I of the UK, and they saw their monarchic line deposed without their consent.
It wasnt so much to do with religion. Religion was used as a justifier by both sides, which makes sense in the time.
But still a great video. Cut mostly to the chase as always
Keep it simple, but dont miss the important bits
(Rewatching this video, I think you kind of made the point, but brushed over it too quickly, as if it was an afterthought when it was very much a forethought in the Jacobite rebellions - literally what they obsessed over for over a century - so Ill give this B+/A-. Great video, with things Id like to see explained in another video for context)
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John
I was surprised that Nova Scotia was not mentioned as many Highlanders evicted due to the Highland Clearances migrated to that Canadian province, especially to Pictou and Antigonish counties as well as Cape Breton Island.
In fact, over 30% of Nova Scotia's population have Highland and Lochaber Scottish ancestry.
Other Nova Scotians have mostly Irish, Germanic (referring to The Foreign Protestants whom came from Montbeliard France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria in the 1740s and 1750s, Mi'kmaq, and American (mostly New England Planter) roots.
I'm originally from Nova Scotia myself, and have Scottish (from Clan MacDonald, German, Swiss, and Mi'kmaq ancestries from my maternal side.
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I was surprised that Nova Scotia was not mentioned as many Highlanders evicted due to the Highland Clearances migrated to that Canadian province, especially to Pictou and Antigonish counties as well as Cape Breton Island.
In fact, over 30% of Nova Scotia's population have Highland and Lochaber Scottish ancestry.
Other Nova Scotians have mostly Irish, Germanic (referring to The Foreign Protestants whom came from Montbeliard France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria in the 1740s and 1750s, Mi'kmaq, and American (mostly New England Planter) roots.
I'm originally from Nova Scotia myself, and have Scottish (from Clan MacDonald, German, Swiss, and Mi'kmaq ancestries from my maternal side.
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Nasrudith
It is funny how much the arrogant and inhumane economic screw up of lords resembles what communist regimes did. They thought themselves above the practical details and assumed that the value was all in the land and not the expertise of the people working it. So that they can just use military force and replace the inconvenient 'non-loyal' experienced existing workforce with generic fungible 'loyal' workers and reap a bigger profit because they knew better. They got proven wrong big time and ruin the potential for the future.
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It is funny how much the arrogant and inhumane economic screw up of lords resembles what communist regimes did. They thought themselves above the practical details and assumed that the value was all in the land and not the expertise of the people working it. So that they can just use military force and replace the inconvenient 'non-loyal' experienced existing workforce with generic fungible 'loyal' workers and reap a bigger profit because they knew better. They got proven wrong big time and ruin the potential for the future.
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Matthew
I remember movie King Edward saying the trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scots, and after centuries of fighting, and trying to conquer each other, or just survive next door to each other, England finally found a way, and. that sounds a lot worse than I even intended it to. Between the Irish Potato Famine, and the Highland Clearances, it looks like the British crown did a fair bit of damage even to its closest elements.
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I remember movie King Edward saying the trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scots, and after centuries of fighting, and trying to conquer each other, or just survive next door to each other, England finally found a way, and. that sounds a lot worse than I even intended it to. Between the Irish Potato Famine, and the Highland Clearances, it looks like the British crown did a fair bit of damage even to its closest elements.
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Mora
My father's family came over to Canada because of the Jacobite rebellions. My ancestors fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie, and when the rebellion was crushed and Charles fled to France they followed along with many other supporters. France, while happy to welcome Charles, weren't so keen on a bunch of Scotts moving over, so they shipped them over to Canada instead - so the family lore goes, at least.
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My father's family came over to Canada because of the Jacobite rebellions. My ancestors fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie, and when the rebellion was crushed and Charles fled to France they followed along with many other supporters. France, while happy to welcome Charles, weren't so keen on a bunch of Scotts moving over, so they shipped them over to Canada instead - so the family lore goes, at least.
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mlc449
The Scottish Highlands would be used as the template to depopulate Ireland in the mid 19th century as it was believed by the English that the country was overpopulated (it wasn't. So when the famine hit it served as a convenient excuse to rid England of millions of troublesome Irish, either through starvation or emigration. Is it any wonder the English are so loathed in the 21st century.
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The Scottish Highlands would be used as the template to depopulate Ireland in the mid 19th century as it was believed by the English that the country was overpopulated (it wasn't. So when the famine hit it served as a convenient excuse to rid England of millions of troublesome Irish, either through starvation or emigration. Is it any wonder the English are so loathed in the 21st century.
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Nonya
Interesting side note: Some of these highlanders ended up as traders on the American frontier and married into the tribes of the southeast. Which is why, during the Creek wars, the Chickasaw were lead by Chief Colbert, the Creek by Chief McGillivray and during the Seminole Wars one of the war chiefs was a McIntosh.
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Interesting side note: Some of these highlanders ended up as traders on the American frontier and married into the tribes of the southeast. Which is why, during the Creek wars, the Chickasaw were lead by Chief Colbert, the Creek by Chief McGillivray and during the Seminole Wars one of the war chiefs was a McIntosh.
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Darkrobe
& explains in simple terms how our family came to Lower Canada in 1852 & created Canada for everyone else. So with all the woke-ism going on now, do I get to sue Her Majesty for past grievances due to our family from expropriating us from our homeland, seems like the Ingenious are able to do that.
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& explains in simple terms how our family came to Lower Canada in 1852 & created Canada for everyone else. So with all the woke-ism going on now, do I get to sue Her Majesty for past grievances due to our family from expropriating us from our homeland, seems like the Ingenious are able to do that.
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Alexander
Nova Scotia should have been mentioned instead of being summarized into Canada & the US. My Ancestors were the Asshole Scots who helped the English; however their fate was ironically the same as us betraying our fellow Scots. The English ended up stealing from us and betraying us anyway.
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Nova Scotia should have been mentioned instead of being summarized into Canada & the US. My Ancestors were the Asshole Scots who helped the English; however their fate was ironically the same as us betraying our fellow Scots. The English ended up stealing from us and betraying us anyway.
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thelDan
Rich people of both English and Scottish descent screwed over the highlanders and then immediately set about blaming the ordinary Englishman for it. Look at what the English did to us. Divide and rule strategy. Human history can be summed up by the two words; class struggle.
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Rich people of both English and Scottish descent screwed over the highlanders and then immediately set about blaming the ordinary Englishman for it. Look at what the English did to us. Divide and rule strategy. Human history can be summed up by the two words; class struggle.
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lovenationalbus
What about the English clearances when whole villages were cleared of their populations to make way for sheep. The largest of these belonged to the Spencers with three thousand acres. Thousands of English people were made homeless. This history has been covered up!
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What about the English clearances when whole villages were cleared of their populations to make way for sheep. The largest of these belonged to the Spencers with three thousand acres. Thousands of English people were made homeless. This history has been covered up!
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fireblade2681
A lot of the wealthy land owners may have been Scottish but if we weren't bought and sold for english gold then we wouldn't have been subjected to the changing land ownership laws made by The lords of westminster to enable this cultural genocide.
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A lot of the wealthy land owners may have been Scottish but if we weren't bought and sold for english gold then we wouldn't have been subjected to the changing land ownership laws made by The lords of westminster to enable this cultural genocide.
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Leigh
Forcing people of generation families. burning there house's. with elderly people. asking for some compassion. & getting booted out the Rich and the shamless. fat cats are doing the same thing in Australia to the indigenous people. nothing changed much!
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Forcing people of generation families. burning there house's. with elderly people. asking for some compassion. & getting booted out the Rich and the shamless. fat cats are doing the same thing in Australia to the indigenous people. nothing changed much!
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The
History of the British Empire according to the English. It wasn't really us, it was the Scottish Lords. It wasn't really us, it was the Irish Lords. It wasn't really us, it was the Indian Princes. It wasn't really us, it was. Vassals and puppets are good.
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History of the British Empire according to the English. It wasn't really us, it was the Scottish Lords. It wasn't really us, it was the Irish Lords. It wasn't really us, it was the Indian Princes. It wasn't really us, it was. Vassals and puppets are good.
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Joseph
I always thought New Zealand and New Caledonia should swap names because New Zealand is a lot like Caledonia (Scotland, while New Caledonia is a Land in the Sea (like Zealand or See Land) whereas New Zealand is not in the sea but in the ocean.
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I always thought New Zealand and New Caledonia should swap names because New Zealand is a lot like Caledonia (Scotland, while New Caledonia is a Land in the Sea (like Zealand or See Land) whereas New Zealand is not in the sea but in the ocean.
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Denis
When I studied the history of Scotland at university our professor argued that the reason for the clearances was the Irish Potato Famine which also had hit Scotland highlands very hard but the Scots could be evacuated (forcefully admittedly.
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When I studied the history of Scotland at university our professor argued that the reason for the clearances was the Irish Potato Famine which also had hit Scotland highlands very hard but the Scots could be evacuated (forcefully admittedly.
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Joshua
There is a pub in the west end of Glasgow, the lismore. In the gents toilets there is an inscription in the urinals that details 3 families who made their wealth through the clearances and invites you to 'pay them the respects they deserve'
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There is a pub in the west end of Glasgow, the lismore. In the gents toilets there is an inscription in the urinals that details 3 families who made their wealth through the clearances and invites you to 'pay them the respects they deserve'
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