The Highland Clearances
Study note
The defeat at Culloden in 1746 broke the power of the Scottish clans. Over time the old chieftains turned into ordinary landlords, and the clansmen who had once followed them became simply their tenants. This change in the way land was held led directly to the Highland Clearances.
During the Highland Clearances, many landlords destroyed the small farms, known as crofts, that tenants lived on, so that the land could be used to graze large flocks of sheep instead, which was more profitable. The two terms to remember are crofts for the small farms and the Highland Clearances for the whole process. Evictions were especially common in the early 19th century, and large numbers of Scottish people emigrated to North America as a result.
Memory tip: Highland Clearances: small 'crofts' destroyed for sheep; many Scots emigrate to North America.
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Question 1 of 3
What were the Highland Clearances?
Show all questions and answers for The Highland Clearances(3 questions with explanations)
The Highland Clearances: questions, answers and explanations
1. What were the Highland Clearances?
- The destruction of small farms to make way for large flocks of sheep
- A series of battles against the Vikings
- The clearing of forests for railways
- The removal of taxes in Scotland
Correct answer: The destruction of small farms to make way for large flocks of sheep
During the Highland Clearances, landlords destroyed small farms (crofts) to graze sheep.
2. What name was given to the small farms destroyed during the Highland Clearances?
- Crofts
- Plantations
- Manors
- Boroughs
Correct answer: Crofts
The small Scottish farms destroyed during the Clearances were called crofts.
3. Many Scottish people left for North America during the Highland Clearances.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. Many evicted Scots emigrated to North America.
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