The Highland Clearances

Study note

After the defeat at Culloden, the Scottish clans lost much of their power. Chieftains became landlords and clansmen became tenants. A process known as the Highland Clearances began, in which many landlords destroyed small farms called crofts to make space for large flocks of sheep. Evictions were common in the early 19th century and many Scots left for North America.

Memory tip: Highland Clearances: small 'crofts' destroyed for sheep; many Scots emigrate to North America.