Highland Land League (1909) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Highland Land League
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|---|---|
| Founded | 1909 |
| Dissolved | 1920s |
| Merged into | Labour |
| Ideology | Land Reform Nationalisation Scottish Home Rule Crofter interests |
| Political position | Left-wing |
The Highland Land League was a political group in Scotland. It started in 1909 and was active in the early 1900s. This group was similar to an older Highland Land League from the late 1800s.
It was a left-wing political party. This means they believed in more government control to help ordinary people. They worked to improve life for people in the Scottish Highlands.
Contents
What the League Wanted
The Highland Land League was formed in Glasgow in 1909. They had several main goals for Scotland.
Land for Everyone
One main goal was to change who owned land. They wanted to take large areas called deer forests and make them public. These areas were used for hunting by rich landowners. The League wanted this land to be used by many people.
They also wanted to get rid of plural farms. These were large farms made by combining many smaller ones. The League believed land should be shared more fairly. They wanted the government to own all land, which is called nationalisation.
Helping Crofters
The League strongly supported crofters. Crofters were small farmers in the Highlands. They often rented their land from landlords. The League wanted to protect crofters from being forced off their land.
Self-Rule for Scotland
Another important goal was home rule for Scotland. This meant Scotland would have more power to make its own laws. It would be less controlled by the government in London.
After the First World War
The First World War lasted from 1914 to 1918. During the war, politicians promised many changes after it ended. Many crofters fought and died in the war.
When the war was over, these promises were not kept. Crofters who returned from the war were very upset. They started taking over land again. This was known as "land raids."
Working with the Labour Party
In August 1918, the Highland Land League joined forces with the Labour Party. The Labour Party is a major political party in the UK.
They worked together in the 1918 general election. Four candidates ran for both the League and Labour. They were the only group against the main government candidate in the Argyllshire area. They also supported a Labour candidate in a special election in 1920.
Merging with Labour
By the 1920s, the Highland Land League fully joined the Labour Party. Labour had promised that Scotland would get more self-rule if they won power. This promise was not fully kept at the time.
Later, members of the Highland Land League were important. They helped create the Scottish National Party in 1934.
