1. People

In 1900 Scotland’s population was about 4.5 million – most of these lived in or near big cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

Urbanisation was taking place, many people were leaving rural areas for the big towns and cities to find regular work or secure better wages.

Cities were hugely overcrowded, 90% of Glaswegians in 1901 shared a toilet with another family. 70% lived in one or two roomed houses. Most visitors to Scotland were appalled at the conditions.

The rural population in areas like the Highlands was falling – farming industry was in decline. For those who stayed, conditions were poor.

In the Highlands, crofters (small farmers) had been evicted and treated badly. The Crofters Act of 1886 stopped forced evictions.

Many Scots were emigrating to America, Canada or the USA but around 1/3 came home eventually

Large numbers of Irish, Italian and Eastern European immigrants were arriving in cities like Glasgow

The Catholic population of Glasgow increased by 100,000 between 1875 and 1900.

In conclusion, the majority of Scots lived in towns and cities and a high number of Scots lived in dreadful conditions in 1914.

2. Economy

Pre 1914 the Central Belt (Glasgow/ Edinburgh) was a powerhouse for shipbuilding, engineering and the production of coal, iron and steel.

Glasgow was known as the ‘second city’ of the British Empire.

Scotland relied on international trade. Britain only produced enough food at home to feed the population for 2 days a week. Food for the other 5 came from abroad.

Coal was Scotland’s fastest growing industry and 150,000 people worked in coal mines. Scottish mine owners were old fashioned, and failed to modernise. Most coal was still cut by miners using picks and shovels.

Steel was seen as a ‘wonder metal’ and towns like Coatbridge produced millions of tons of it. Only one forge in Scotland could produce quality steel – William Beardmore’s Parkhead Forge.

The company bought huge steam hammers and specialised in making naval ships.

Shipbuilding depended on international trade and the Clyde took orders from all over the world. There were 40 yards on the Clyde. 1 in 5 of the world’s ships in 1914 were made on the Clyde.

Fishing was boosted by the growth of railways as they could carry fresh fish across the country. Fish such as Herring was caught in Scotland and sold to Germany and Russia.

Textiles were a major employer. The Jute (like sack cloth) industry in Dundee was huge and there were over 70 jute mills there alone. Textiles like cotton were also manufactured in large numbers in Scotland.

There was some industry in the Highlands such as tweed, aluminium and whisky. Changing fashions meant industries like tweed couldn’t always be relied upon.

In conclusion, Scotland was reliant on traditional heavy industry in 1914 and on foreign markets.
3. Politics

The Liberals were the most popular political party in Scotland before 1914. Other parties like Labour, the Conservatives and the Unionists were not very popular.

The Liberals were popular with the ordinary people because they challenged the rich and middle classes. The Liberals also campaigned to help Highland farmers have land rights. The Liberals felt that the government should interfere as little as possible in peoples’ lives (laissez-faire).

New Liberals started to argue that things like a minimum wage and pensions were essential. They promised to improve housing. Therefore, many ordinary men who had just gained the vote supported the Liberals.

The Liberals also appealed to Young Scots through propaganda and the Young Scots Society, who had 2500 members in 1910.

The Conservatives (or Tories) were associated with the rich and wealthy landowners which made them unpopular with the majority. The Tories wanted to put tariffs on foreign products which would make food more expensive for Scots.

The Labour Party was started by Keir Hardie in 1888 after he was rejected from standing for the Liberals. The party campaigned for health & safety in the mining industry and votes for women. The party was very new in 1914. The Labour party wasn’t yet ready to compete with the popular Liberals.

In conclusion, the Liberals were by far the most popular Scottish party in 1914 and for new parties like Labour it was very early days.
4. Scottish Identity

In 1914 most Scots saw themselves as British. Being part of the British Empire was of great benefit. Most Scots saw themselves as equal partners to the English.

Scotland was also proud of its own identity, proud of Highland dress, bagpipes, scenery etc.

Queen Victoria loved Scotland and this increased the popularity of the country.

Scottish soldiers were seen as brave, loyal and trustworthy who would fight to the end. Scots soldiers were also seen as aggressive types who would terrify the enemy. They were also viewed as hardworking and committed.

Even to other Scots, the Highlands seemed an intimidating place due to the ancient Clan system. The British government had removed the powers of clan chiefs and done away with clan tartan but they were still keen to recruit Scots soldiers.

Highland soldiers wore the kilt as part of their uniform. They marched to the sound of bagpipes wherever they were in the British Empire.

When war broke out in 1914 the British Government focussed on the heroic deeds of past Scots soldiers to encourage men to enlist. The government brought back the ideas of Highland clans to appeal to the patriotism of Highlanders.

Scots signed up for war in huge numbers in 1914.

The Scots’ casualty rate far exceeded that of the UK.

In conclusion, Scots felt British as well as Scottish and were proud of their heritage. The Scots army regiments were seen as brave and loyal warriors.

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