Empire's Impact on Attitudes and Culture 1947-1967

Question 1

From the early 1700’s to the late 1950’s Britain had what type of migration?

Answer 1

Negative Net Migration
(More people emigrated out than immigrating in)

Question 2

In 1947 how many people left GB and went to the dominions?

Answer 2

1/2 million people

Question 3

Between 1946 and 1957 how many people left GB and went to the Dominions?

Answer 3

1 million

Question 4

How did Emigration to Dominions affect Britain’s international relations with the dominions?

Answer 4

-Increased range of and depth of personal connection to empire
e.g in 1948 in a mass observation survey found 25% of the British population was in contact with relatives in the Dominions
-Civil servants and the military personnel also left GB to serve around the empire
e.g Between 1949-1960 national service for all British men aged 17-21 had to serve and thousands of them involved with many colonial conflicts in the 1950’s e.g Malayan Emergency

Question 5

What was the 1948 British nationality act ?

Answer 5

Created equal citizens status for all Commonwealth People including the right to freely enter Britain

Question 6

When did the Empire Windrush arrive in Britain?

Answer 6

21 June 1948
(mostly positive reaction and response)

Question 7

Between 1962 and 1965 what was immigration at per year?

Answer 7

50,000

Question 8

By 1967 what percentage of the British population were “non-white”?

Answer 8

2%

Question 9

What was the reaction to immigration?

Answer 9

-Initial reaction not negative however during the 1950s economic anxieties amongst the working class led to a growth in racial prejudice
e.g Race Riots Autumn 1958 (violence erupted on the streets of Nottingham)
- The following week riots broke out at Notting hill being with 3-4000 Whites attacking black homes

Question 10

What was revealed in a 1962 public survey?

Answer 10

80% of the Uk population believed there was too many immigrants in the UK

Question 11

What was the 1962 Commonwealth Immigration Act?

Answer 11

-Attempted to limit migration (now had to apply for a permit)
Slowed down rate of immigration of non- whites (significant discrimination)

Question 12

In what General election was immigration a prominent campaign issue?

Answer 12

1964

Question 13

What did Wilson’s government do in relation to immigration?

Answer 13

• reduced immigration quotes and banned children over 16 from joining their families in the Uk (to appease the public)
  But also…
  -Passed the 1965 Race Relation Act
  (forbid discrimination on public places but excluded discrimination in housing and employment)

Question 14

What happened to Britain’s Culture post WW2?

Answer 14

• Britain experienced rapid social and cultural change between 1945-1970 yet certain ideas in particular groups remained strong
  e.g change in tv, music, new youth cultures and liberation for women
  e.g Continuity of popularity in the monarch and sports
  Empire became symbolic of tradition however as the generations went on it was becoming far less important and influential

Question 15

Give examples of continued influence of Empire

Answer 15

-National celebrations reminded society of imperial traditions
e,g 1951 Queen Elizabeth’s coronation
e.g last Night of the Proms
e.g Continued popularity of Boys Scouts

Question 16

Why was there a Cultural change in Britain?

Answer 16

-Continued democratisation of society and culture during the inter war years
-Increased Liberalism in ideas (partly because of the experience of WW2 and the rejection of authoritarianism)
- Greater economic power and political influence of the middle and working classes and of younger generation
-Americanisation of GB’s culture
- The beginning of multiculturism

Question 17

State some key Youth cultures

Answer 17

e.g Hipsters (1950’s) subculture in jazz and folk clubs, multi class and multi ethnic
e.g Hippies (1960’s) united in the belief in peace and anti-war