the Highland Clearances
/ðə ˌhaɪlənd ˈklɪərənsɪz/
/ðə ˌhaɪlənd ˈklɪrənsɪz/
- the forced removal of farmers from their small rented farms called crofts in the Highlands of Scotland during the late 18th century and the 19th century. The owners of the land wanted to use it for sheep and, later, deer. The Clearances caused great poverty and many farmers and their families left Scotland to live in the US.
Check pronunciation:
the Highland Clearances