1. Immigrants and Exiles Immigrants and Exiles is a unit which explores the makeup of the Scottish population. We will understand who came to Scotland and why. We will also understand why some people left Scotland. Lesson starter: Copy out box below

2. Hard Times in Ireland Today we will understand… The hardships which many faced in Ireland The effect of population growth in Ireland The effects of a potato blight

3. During the 19 th century, the majority of Irish people lived in extreme poverty Affected towns and rural areas Housing was of a shocking standard Catholic couples had huge families There was little work available Housing was of a very poor standard

4. Why were the Irish so poor? 1. Ireland had no growing industries 2. Rising population 3. Goods from UK factories were cheaper 4. Small farmers were evicted by landowners as they made them little money 5. Farm land was in tiny plots – not enough to make a living 6. Most people rented land/homes – rents could go up 7. UK government knew nothing about running Ireland

5. Farmer A has a small piece of land The land is poor quality (all he can afford) He needs to grow something cheap that can produce a lot on a small amount of land It needs to be something that can fill up his large family…

6. Potatoes Large crop can be grown on small piece of land Only source of food for ½ Irish population Don’t keep long If the crop fails, Half the population have no backup 1840s – potato crop fails

7. The potatoes were ruined by a blight Black, smelly fungus 1 st signs of blight 1845 Again in 1846 and 1848

8. ‘people lived upon the carcasses of diseased cattle, upon dogs and dead horses, but principally on nettletops, grass and water cress…dead bodies were found with grass in their mouths.’

9. Effects of the Potato Blight Over a million starved to death or died from disease eg. Cholera Many could not pay their rent and were left homeless (landlords used police and soldiers to do this) British Government did little – eventually sent corn Other food produced in Ireland was still sent to Britain to be sold The workhouse system in Ireland could not cope with demand – even if you did get in it was a miserable existence Many people wanted to leave Ireland completely Between 1841 – 1851 population went from 8.2million to 6.6million

10. Hard Times In Ireland KU 5 Mark questions a)Why was poverty so widespread in Ireland in the 18 th century? (5 marks) b) What were the consequences of the Irish potato blight in the 1840s for Ireland’s poorest people? (5 marks)