Britain in the twentieth century Flashcards
Impact of War on Migration
20th Century Influence: Both World Wars and regional wars caused significant migration to Britain.
- Result: Increased diversity and multiculturalism in British society.
Religion in 20th Century Britain
Britain became increasingly secular after World War II.
- Migration Impact: Influx of migrants led to a more multicultural society with diverse religious beliefs.
Government and International Relations
- Key Events: Rise of the USSR and the USA forced Britain to reassess its global position.
- EU Membership: Joining the EU sparked debates over sovereignty and control.
Nationalism and Liberation Movements**
Driving Force: Nationalism fueled independence movements in British colonies.
- Examples: Gold Coast (Ghana) and Kenya sought and achieved independence.
Science and Technology
Advancements: Development of air travel and improved transport made migration easier.
- Impact: Facilitated movement of people across borders, contributing to global migration trends.
Economic Resources and Trade
Shift in Focus: Britain transitioned from empire-based trade to focusing on Europe.
- Result: Economic realignment influenced migration patterns and international relations.
Key Individuals(e.g)
- Kwame Nkrumah: Led Gold Coast (Ghana) to independence.
- Jomo Kenyatta: Led Kenya to independence.
- Claudia Jones: Founded the Notting Hill Carnival, celebrating Caribbean culture in Britain.
Mohandas Gandhi
Founded the Indian National Congress in 1885 to advocate for Indian rights.
- Developed the concept of satyagraha (non-violent resistance).
Mobilized millions in the struggle for independence.
Pressured the British to leave India.
India gained independence in 1947.
- Legacy: Remembered as the father of the Indian nation and a global symbol of non-violent resistance.
Rise of Nationalism in British Colonies
- Time Period: Early 20th century.
- Key Feature: Revival of pre-British cultural identity and rise of nationalism.
- Impact: Drove demands for independence across the British Empire.
Amritsar Massacre (1919)
- Event: British soldiers killed hundreds of Indian protesters.
- Impact: Fueled demands for full independence from British rule.
Dominion Status
- Granted To: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa by 1914.
- Condition: Self-rule with reduced control from London.
- Exclusion: Not granted to non-white populations due to Social Darwinism beliefs.
Impact of World Wars on Britain
- Economic Drain: Both World Wars severely drained Britain’s economy.
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Result: Loss of international power and prestige.
-Millions of colonial soldiers contributed to World Wars. - Demand: Independence as a reward for their service.
- Election: Labour won the 1945 election.
- Focus: Rebuilding Britain through the welfare state, less emphasis on empire.
Kwame Nkrumah
- Party Founded: Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 1949, more radical than UGCC.
- Imprisonment: Jailed by British authorities but won the 1951 election.
- Achievement:Gold Coast gained independence in 1957 with Nkrumah as leader.
Jomo Kenyatta
- Role: Elected leader of the Kenya Africa Union in 1947.
- Campaign:Advocated for Kenyan independence.
- Imprisonment: Falsely accused of leading the Mau Mau uprising, jailed in 1961.
- Achievement: Became Kenya’s first prime minister in 1963 after negotiating independence with Britain.
- Legacy: Played a crucial role in Kenya’s transition to independence.
Suez Crisis (1956)
- Event: Egypt’s President Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal.
- Response: Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt.
- Outcome: Global condemnation forced troop withdrawal; British PM Eden resigned.
- Impact: Humiliation for Britain, loss of international prestige, and a turning point in colonial relations.
Post-Suez British Policy
- Strategy: Grant independence to stable colonies to maintain ties and counter communism.
- Goal: Develop a Commonwealth of former empire nations.
- Inspiration: Suez Crisis motivated colonies like Gold Coast and Kenya to seek independence
Kwame Nkrumah and Gold Coast Independence
- Background: Many Ghanaians fought in WWII and felt deserving of independence.
- Action: Nkrumah led peaceful protests, imprisoned but won 1951 election.
- Achievement: Gold Coast became independent Ghana in 1957 with Nkrumah as leader.
Mau Mau Rebellion
- Cause: Land taken by British settlers; demand for land and freedom.
- Conflict: Eight-year guerrilla war against British and African supporters.
- Impact: Hundreds died, many white settlers left Kenya.
Jomo Kenyatta’s Role
- Leadership: Head of KAU from 1947, falsely accused of leading Mau Mau.
- Imprisonment: Jailed 1953–61, branded a communist.
- Achievement: Became Kenya’s first prime minister upon independence in 1963.
Idi Amin
- Position: Declared himself president and military leader of Uganda.
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Economic War: In 1972, he expelled non-citizen Asians and Europeans, seizing their businesses.
Led to Asian migration to UK
Claudia Jones
- Campaigns: Led anti-racism campaigns and became a journalist.
- West Indian Gazette: Established the newspaper to address issues affecting the West Indian community.
- Initiative: Started the London Carnival in 1959 in response to racist attacks.
- Legacy: After her death in 1964, it evolved into the Notting Hill Carnival, a major cultural event
Empire Windrush (1948)
- Event: 492 Caribbean immigrants arrived at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948.
- Significance: Marked the beginning of large-scale Caribbean migration to Britain.
Caribbean Contribution in WWII
- Fact: Over 10,000 Caribbean men fought for Britain in World War II.
- Impact: Strengthened ties between the Caribbean and Britain.
Post-War Conditions in the Caribbean
- Issue: Devastation from a 1944 hurricane led to widespread poverty and hardship.
- Result: Many sought security and employment opportunities in Britain.
- Opportunity: Viewed migration as a chance for better living conditions.