War impact on Scottish Industries

• The Great War had a significant impact on industry and the economy.
• Prior to the war, traditional heavy industries such as shipbuilding, mining, and metal work were not doing well and were losing money.
• During the war, there was very little unemployment in Scotland.
• Once peace was achieved, the old problems returned, unemployment rose, and the economy suffered.
• Heavy industry includes coal mining, steel production, and shipbuilding.
• Many of the jobs in the heavy industries were very skilled.
• Many of these jobs became known as reserved occupations as they were so important to the war effort.
• This meant men that worked in these jobs could not be conscripted into the army.
• Increased demand for ships led to more people being employed in the shipyards along the Clyde.
• In Dundee, the jute industry expanded greatly due to increased demand for jute to make sandbags for the trenches.
• Demand for steel increased greatly during the war as it was needed to make the warships and tanks needed to fight the war.
• Wages doubled for those working in farming and shepherds' wages doubled as there was a huge demand for wool to make uniforms.
• The fishermen lost their jobs as it was too dangerous due to the German U-Boats.