Immigration 1918-79 Flashcards
What percentage of the population in Britain was non-white in 1979?
4 percent
This figure is likely to fall to nearer 90 percent in the next few years.
What was a key reason for the growth of a multiracial society in 20th-century Britain?
The existence and decline of the British Empire
The British Empire was restyled as the Commonwealth in 1949.
What impact did the 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act have on colonial residents?
Redefined their status
Colonial residents were legally British citizens until this act.
During which decades did the vast majority of non-white immigration to Britain occur?
Late 1950s and 1960s
This period was driven by post-war economic recovery.
What was the general attitude of the British government towards immigration from the Commonwealth?
Reluctant to take action to prevent it
This reluctance was due to fears of antagonizing colonial leaders.
What event in 1958 forced government legislation to curtail immigration?
Eruption of violence in a few areas
This violence highlighted the failure of local efforts to integrate racial minorities.
What challenges did racial minorities face when settling in Britain?
Prejudice and racism
Earlier waves of white immigrants also faced prejudice, but racism added further barriers.
By 1979, how did the British society view newly arrived racial minorities?
They had a lot to offer British society but faced casual prejudice
This prejudice was not always politically organized.
Fill in the blank: The four major national groups in Britain have been joined by waves of migrants seeking to escape _______.
persecution
True or False: The population of non-whites in Britain was 99.8 percent until 1945.
False
The population was predominantly white, with non-whites making up 0.2 percent until 1945.
What were the backgrounds of the diverse groups that settled in Britain?
Cultural, religious, social, and educational backgrounds
These groups included a wide range of immigrants.
What was the immigration policy in Britain before 1905?
Any individual who made it to Britain was allowed to settle, except for a few restrictions that began with the 1905 Aliens Act.
What prompted the first restrictions on immigration in Britain?
A wave of anti-Semitic attacks in the 1880s and 1890s drove around 50,000 Jews from Eastern Europe to settle in poor areas of London.
What were the requirements for immigrants after the 1905 Aliens Act?
Immigrants had to demonstrate an ability to make a living, possess £5, and be genuine religious or political refugees.
What significant event occurred in 1948 regarding immigration?
The British Nationality Act was enacted, and the SS Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks.
What were the race riots that occurred in 1958?
The Nottingham and Notting Hill race riots highlighted racial tensions in Britain.
What did the 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act do?
It restricted immigration from Commonwealth countries.
What was established by the First Race Relations Act in 1965?
The Race Relations Board was established to address racial discrimination.
What did the Second Race Relations Act in 1968 accomplish?
It made it illegal to refuse housing, employment, or public services based on colour, race, or ethnic origin.
What was the impact of the 1914 British Nationality and Status Aliens Act?
It introduced the first modern passports to prevent wartime espionage.
How did anti-Semitism manifest in Britain between 1933 and 1939?
Despite the arrival of 300,000 Jews fleeing Nazi persecution, there was significant anti-Semitic hostility.
What was the Kindertransport?
It was an initiative to bring Jewish children from Germany to Britain in 1938.
What was the ‘colour problem’ in Britain?
It referred to the racial tensions and the perception of non-white Britons during the interwar period.
What was the role of black organizations in interwar Britain?
They sought to empower black communities and raise awareness about racial issues.
