Thanks for taking the time to read and respond. I think what you are saying is that the loss of sustainable cottage businesses may have played a part but that I am missing all the political and religious reasons for emigration. Moreover, by centering economics that were influenced by the rise of plantation produced cotton, I am committing the very error I am trying to correct, which is to misattribute historical motives.

I thank you for your reaction. First, I think I will need to make a part two to this story to encompass the other reasons you cite. And second because I think I will need to rework this part for my local paper audience to make it palatable.

I do think that the decline of cottage industry contributed greatly to emigration. Not just processing flax, but all types of products.