How did the Empire influence British attitudes and culture: 1947-1967

Question 1

What were the political and economic ties between Britain & the former Empire?

Answer 1

Political & Legal Traditions: Many colonies developed Westminster political systems; For example in India

Commonwealth: Strong diplomatic links retained with Britain and colonies; Around 54 members of the Commonwealth

Head of State: The Queen was seen as the figurehead of the Commonwealth; Head of State of around 15 Commonwealth nations

Globalised Economy: Replaced ‘formal’ empire with a return to the old ‘informal’ one of trading links & economic ties.

Question 2

Immigration

Answer 2

• British Nationality Act of 1948 was passed to allow full citizenship including the right of free entry into Britain to every inhabitant of the commonwealth and Empire
• In 1962 90% of British people supported measures to cut immigration.
• A 1962 bill to restrict immigration, particularly of unskilled workers, was supported by 70% of the British population
• 1965 ‘Race relations’ act banned public discrimination on the grounds of race

Question 3

What evidence is there of residual impact of the empire and cultural ties?

Answer 3

• Popularity of Rugby in ex-colonies / dominions e.g. New Zealand & South Africa
• Commonwealth Games started 1954 = reminder of former Empire, joined nations in postcolonial competition.
• Words like ‘pyjamas’(Urdu), ‘safari’(Swahili) and ‘zombie’(Africa) taken from African and Indian languages.
• Continue traditions of Imperial past e.g. British Empire Medal & MBE - GBE still awarded today

Question 4

What impact did Empire have on popular culture?

Answer 4

-The Notting Hill Carnival, a local festival, by Caribbean immigrants with music performance 1964, released some of the racial tension, showcasing elements of a Caribbean carnival in a cabaret style. (Steel band music performed by Trinadadian immigrants)

-Cinema shifted away from patriotic themes but some films still used Empire as a setting, eg: North West Frontier (1959): hints that Empire in India was needed to maintain order and Lawrence of Arabia (1962): critical view of Empire

-post-WWII Television replaces radio as main medium for spreading popular culture with

-Documentaries enabling awareness of other countries and cultures and Satirisation of traditional imperialist attitudes (TW3)

-But Racist stereotyping (eg. blackface - Black and White Minstrels Show)

Question 5

Emigration

Answer 5

WHY: Post-war demand for labour

THEREFORE: 1946-1957 1 million individuals left Britain for dominions resulting in acceleration of pre war levels

1948: Mass observation Survey showed 25% of population in Britain were in contact with relatives residing in Dominions