24.1 Issues relating to New Commonwealth migrants and race-relations

Question 1

What event showed that there was support for the Commonwealth?

Answer 1

Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953

Question 2

What were the main differences between the old and new commonwealth?

Answer 2

Old = Former countries of the British Empire, Australia, Canada so predominately white

New = Countries that had recently gained independence, India, Pakistan, West Indies so mostly non-white

Question 3

What had encouraged an increase in migration towards Britain?

(Pull factors x4)

(Push factors x2)

Answer 3

PULL

• 1948 British Nationality Act
• Britain as the ‘Mother country’ with positive depictions (Harrods)
• Strong economic growth of Britain meant that there were lots of jobs
• NHS, transport, hotels and restaurants took advantage of endless seeming supply of labour for menial roles

PUSH

• Economic problems at home
• Restrictions on immigration to the USA made Britain the first alternative

Question 4

What happened to immigration figures between 1948-53 and 1957? (inc 1956)

Answer 4

Increased in all areas

(000’s)

1948-53
West Indians - 14
Asians - 4
Total - 28

1956
West Indians - 29.8
Asians - 7.6
Total - 46.85

1957
West Indians - 23
Asians - 11.8
Total - 42.4

Question 5

What percentage of migrants were male?

Answer 5

75%

Question 6

What was outward migration like during the 1950’s?

Answer 6

1.32m outward (vs 676k inwards) migration to USA and Australia in the 1950’s

Question 7

When did Wind-rush arrive and with how many labour searching migrants?

Answer 7

May 1948 with 492 migrant workers

Question 8

What were British complaints about migrants (4) and how was this discrimination worsened (2)?

Answer 8

• Used the NHS and dole without contributing
• Unwillingness to mix into local community
• Prepared to work long hours for low wages keeping overall wages low
• Brought in crime

+ This discrimination was worsened as most settled in certain area restricted by racist landlords ‘NO IRISH, NO BLACKS, NO DOGS’ (Landlord in Birmingham 1955)

+ Some employers like ‘Vickers’ had a quota system so only 5% of jobs could go to non-immigrants not disputed by unions

Question 9

What did parliament do about the poor conditions migrants faced?

Answer 9

Many letters were addressed to Parliament from migrants, but speaker of the house Lord Salisbury stated that nothing should be done otherwise it would make Britain even more attractive

Question 10

What happened to social tension during the late 1950s?

Answer 10

Despite hopes for social tensions to ease over time the increased mainly instigated by Teddy Boy Gangs cumulating in race riots of 1958 Summer