Higher migration and empire - Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

Higher migration and empire - Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

1. Migration & Empire, 1830-1939 Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

2. In today’s class I am learning to: Describe the experiences of Italian immigrants in Scotland Explain why some Scots supported or opposed Italian immigration Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

3. Italians made up a relatively small group of immigrants to Scotland during the 1800s and early 1900s, however their influence is still evident today. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

4. Reasons for moving Immigrants in Scotland – Catholic Irish

5. Most Italians that came to Scotland were trying to escape from extreme poverty in Italy. Large numbers of Italians worked as agricultural workers but did not always have a job , or earn much from their work, forcing them to travel. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

6. Farm workers f aced problems such as famine and drought , again forcing them to find a new life elsewhere. Other Italians left because they felt taxes were too high in their country, again forcing them to live in poverty. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

7. For many Italian immigrants, Scotland was not their final destination; instead they hoped to go to the USA . Travelling to America was long and expensive so some Italians used Scotland as a stopping point before the US. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

8. Where they lived Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

9. Like other immigrant groups, most people from Italy tended to live where there were fellow Italians. Glasgow was the most common destination in Scotland; by World War One the city had the third biggest Italian community in the UK. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

10. Italians also moved to other areas of Scotland, notably Edinburgh , whilst there were also Italian communities in places such as Dundee . Some Italians lived in coastal towns (such as Ayr and Largs ) where they opened businesses. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

11. Employment Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

12. Although many Italians had worked as farmers in Italy, few of them did so after moving to Scotland. Some Italians found work in locations such as factories , however Italians worked for themselves by setting up their own businesses . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

13. Some Italians made money by selling religious statues , going door-to-door or to Catholic churches to do so. Many Italians sold chips and ice cream from street barrows; they were called ‘ hokey pokey’ men due to their sales shouts . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

14. Over time the Italian immigrants opened more formal sales locations such as shops , cafes and restaurants . Italian shops were often grocers , selling a range of products. Italian cafes sold ice cream and also fish and chips . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

15. It has even been claimed that the 99 cone (an ice cream cone with a chocolate flake) was invented in Scotland. An Italian immigrant in Portobello used to stick chocolate flake into ice his cream. His shop address was 99 High Street. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

16. Many of these Italian businesses are still well known, such as Nardini’s in Largs or Visocchi’s in Brought Ferry . Other Italians worked as hairdressers and barbers . The College of Italian Hairdressers opened in Glasgow in 1928 . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

17. Housing conditions Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

18. Italian immigrants tended to live in the same type of housing as other immigrants to Scotland. This usually took them to the poorest areas of the towns and cities to which they moved, leading to problems of overcrowding and poor sanitation . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

19. Italians lived in areas of Glasgow such as Partick and in Edinburgh in the Grassmarket , both known for housing problems. As their businesses became more successful , Italians were able to afford to move to areas with better housing . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

20. Personal identity Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

21. Italian immigrants to Scotland kept a strong link to their home country and heritage. They generally lived in communities with other Italians, and were expected to continue to speak Italian , at least in their home life. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

22. Inter-marriage was encouraged within the Italian community, partly linked to the very long hours which many Italians worked. They were also urged to buy products from and support Italian businesses in their areas. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

23. Italian immigrants to Scotland set up groups to promote Italian culture. This included Casa D’Italia , which offered services such as Italian lessons for children and even business loans to help Italians start their own companies. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

24. Most Italian immigrants were Catholic , unlike the majority of Scots. The influx of Irish Catholic migrants had led to an increase in the number of Catholic churches in Scotland, which helped Italians to continue to practice their faith . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

25. Italians also made use of the different Catholic cemeteries that were opened to maintain this part of their identity. This includes St Peter’s and St Kentigern’s cemeteries in Glasgow , and also Mount Vernon cemetery in Edinburgh . Immigrants in Scotland – Italians

26. Relations with Scots Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

27. The relatively low number of Italian immigrants limited the opposition that they faced. In addition the fact that Italians mostly set up their own businesses (meaning they were not accused of taking jobs ) reduced the criticism they faced. Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

28. Italian cafes and shops received a mixed reaction . Some religious Scots disliked the fact that these businesses opened on a Sunday . Others however liked the fact that these businesses offered an alternative to the pub and drinking alcohol . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

29. Italians sometimes faced criticism because it was believed they did not integrate with Scots. Italians were usually Catholic , unlike most Scots, and they tended to live in their own communities, continuing to speak Italian . Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

30. Although many Italians had good relations with Scots, World War Two changed this. Italy’s support for Nazi Germany meant Italians were seen as an enemy, and some were attacked in the street or interned (arrested without a crime). Immigrants in Scotland - Italians

31. Immigrants in Scotland – Italians Italian people Reasons for moving Relations with Scots Personal identity Employment Housing

32. Immigrants in Scotland – Italians Italian people Reasons for moving Personal identity Employment Housing

33. Immigrants in Scotland – Italian people Italian people Personal identity Employment Housing