In 1865, a group of Welsh people decided to set up a new Welsh colony in Patagonia ( South America ). Patagonia is a region within Argentina. The area in Patagonia where most of the Welsh settled was in the Chubut Vally.
Who was behind the idea to set up a colony outside of Wales?
During the first half of the 19th Century, Michael D Jones wanted to make a new Welsh colony. The Welsh liked the idea and were persuaded by the idea of beginning a Welsh colony. Michael wanted a place where the Welsh language would be safe from the English language. So, a group of 153 people who were inspired to set sail for a new life in Argentinian Patagonia.
What reasons were behind the idea to leave Wales and set up a colony?
The Welsh people first arrived in Patagonia in 1865. They had migrated to protect their native Welsh culture and language, which they considered to be threatened in their native Wales.
The welsh wanted to leave for many reasons : to escape poverty, to seek religious freedom and to establish a new country where Welsh would be the language of religion, government, trade and education. In Wales at that time, it was not possible as Wales was gradually being absorbed into England. Some of the reasons that they set up a colony was: to save and hold on to what they believed in, their religion, dying language and culture.
In which other countries had the Welsh tried to build a new life?
The committee had looked at other countries that would be possible to make a colony. These are some of them: Australia, Brazil, Palestine, North America.
The committee considered all these countries to try and make a colony. These attempts failed due to other language and cultures influencing the Welsh and diluting the Welsh identity.
At last, the Welsh were given a wonderful opportunity when the Government of Argentina offered land for farming. This was a remote and isolated country. In Patagonia there were only the Tehuelches Indians - who they lived alongside them in peace.
How did they advertise the idea about moving to Patagonia?
Later that year, a Leaflet selling Patagonia's dignity was written and distributed back home, by another Welshman, Hugh Hughes’. Hughes' promises of a land much like Wales were a bit overstated. Despite this, the leaflet convinced 150 people, to board a tea-clipper boat, the Mimosa. Leaving on 24th May from Liverpool. Their mission was to set up a new Welsh settlement. They would call it Y Wladfa.
What type of traditions do you think the Welsh people in the 1860s wanted to preserve?
Every year in late June and early August, the Welsh from Patagonia fly over into Wales for the National Eisteddfod. They find that they can communicate fluently with the locals. They also wanted preserve there Welsh language, religion and culture.
Credits:
Created with images by azorko - "lighthouse ushuaia beagle channel" • terimakasih0 - "welsh flag pennant welsh"