Technological bubble
Being so remote the island had a much slower development in technology and religion. When a signal station was built during the first world war continues communication was set up with the mainland for the first time. I believe this to be a large factor in the islands realisation of there dire state. It was also a tool for communicating there evacuation little over a decade later.
Religion
"The Sabbath was a day of intolerable gloom. At the clink of the bell the whole flock hurry to Church with sorrowful looks and eyes bent upon the ground. It is considered sinful to look to the right or to the left."
The island saw two very different sides to religion, one being a great source of development the other being a controlling and ruling force. For a 14 years Rev. Neil Mackenzie improved agriculture, helped rebuild the village and introduced basic education to the island. Later the island was introduced to Rev. John Mackay who introduced strict rules on the islanders that made there way of life grime. He stayed for 24 years on the island.
Tourism
The island became a curiosity for people to visit. This brought income for the island as they could sell wool and eggs gathered from the island. The increase in visitors also brought new illnesses. Tetanus caused infant mortality of up to 80 percent.
Evacuation
The islanders eventually found they could survive no more. During the first world war many young men left. Later illness took the lives of more men. Crops failed and life became intolerable for the islanders. The island still makes many connections with boats, acting as a tourist attraction and area of scientific interest.
