On a recent visit to Dublin in Ireland I saw a ship moored in the River Liffey. On further investigation I found that it was a replica of a "coffin ship" called the Jeanie Johnston. It was a tribute to all the Irish people who were displaced during the great Irish Famine between 1845 and 1855, and because of the overcrowding and the resultant death rate amongst the people who travelled to Australia and North America on such ships.
Similar clearances were occurring in the Scottish Highlands in the 18th and 19th centuries with involuntary economic migrants being transported in similar ships.
Further information can be found via the following links:
Coffin Ship Wikipedia
The History Place
The Wild Geese - Blog
Highland Clearances - Wikipedia
