The Highland Clearances were a series of forced evictions that took place in the Scottish Highlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. Landowners, seeking to increase profits from sheep farming, removed many tenant farmers from their lands. This led to significant social and economic upheaval in the region. As a result of the Clearances, thousands of people were displaced, leading to mass emigration to places like North America and Australia. The Clearances had a lasting impact on Highland culture and demographics, contributing to the decline of traditional ways of life in the region.