Scottish emigrants were attracted to move abroad in the 1800s-1900s due to several "pull factors" including better employment opportunities, higher wages, the prospect of owning land or a business, improved housing conditions, joining family/friends who had emigrated, and religious reasons. The development of steam ships in the mid-1800s made long-distance travel safer and faster, further encouraging emigration. Colonial governments and Britain provided assistance to Scottish emigrants through recruiting agents, financial support, training programs, and offers of free or cheap land.