Questions/Answers for Irish Settlers on PEI

Questions for Irish Settlers on PEI

1) Identify each group of Irish immigrants

Colonial Pioneers: First wave of Irish immigrants coming to the Island 1767-1810 (they arrived in large numbers after the British takeover of New France). They were mostly Protestant and included a number of United Empire Loyalists.

Southeastern Irish: Also known as “Southies” à Second wave of Irish immigrants (1810-1830) coming from the Southeastern counties of Ireland. They made their way to the Island via British merchant ships which would stop in Southeastern Ireland. They were often dropped off in Newfoundland and some eventually made their way to the Island.

Monaghan Settlers: Last wave of Irish immigrants (1830-1850). This was the largest Irish immigration and it was organized à Rev. John MacDonald who was a Catholic priest invited Irish Catholic settlers from Donagh in Ireland to take up leases and settle on his estate.

2) Terms: Southies, Two Boaters, steerage, Potato Famine, Blight

Southies: Second wave of Irish immigrants coming from southeastern counties of Ireland

Two Boaters: Fishermen couming from Ireland via Newfoundland (it took two boats to reach PEI).

Potato Famine: Severe blight which destroyed potato crops which the Irish depended on for food left millions of Irish impoverished and starving (led to mass emigration to Canada). Although the Potato Famine is usually credited with the large scale emigration of the Irish to PEI, but most Irish actually arrived prior to the Famine.      

3) What role did the Irish play in PEI shipbuilding?  Why?

They helped establish the shipping industry on PEI, as many already had experience with shipbuilding, shipping routes, and connections for markets, so building and selling ships to England was a logical development.

4) Why did so many Irish leave Ireland after 1815?

Ireland had a surge in population, the economy was in trouble, crop failure threatened starvation, and English domination was hated. Also, Roman Catholics had few rights or freedoms.

5) Why is there such a large group of Irish who arrived from 1830-50?

It was the largest group of Irish immigrants because it was an organized immigration by Rev. John MacDonald.