MIGRATION DURING MODERN PERIOD Flashcards
1
Q
first world war migrants POLITICAL IMPACT
A
- millions of soldiers from across empire served in war
- including over 1 million indians, troops from Canada, NZ, Australia, West Indies and Africa
- black british soldiers served in the military from all walks of life eg WALTER TULL
- despite this, black soldiers still banned from victory parades in 1918
2
Q
first world war migrants ECONOMIC IMPACT
A
- migrants worked in factories, especially in munitions to provide weapons and ammunition for front lines
- merchant seamen had essential role in keeping Britain going during the war, risking lives to bring food and other essential materials across Atlantic. over 3000 Lascars killed by Germans on ships carrying food and supplies to Britain
3
Q
migrants between the world wars (1920-39) POLITICAL IMPACT
A
- many migrants committed to anti-colonialism and worker rights.
- the PAN-AFRICAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT held several conferences in Britain between 1919-39
- Shapurji Sklatvala (indian british MP) was jailed for giving speeches supporting striking coal miners 1926
4
Q
migrants between the world wars (1920-39) SOCIAL/CULTURAL IMPACT
A
- height of depression = British Union of Facists led by Oswald Mosley stirred up antisemitism
- 1936, 100,000 turned out to stop a BUF march through east end (=large jewish population)
- battle took place between protesters and facists = 175 injuries and 100 arrests
5
Q
migrants during WW2 POLITICAL IMPACT
A
- migrants fought in armed forces (several regiments had colour bar and no Black people allowd in navy)
- around 14000 Poles joined RAF and were highly skilled
- Polish 303 squadron had highest kill rate of any during battle of britain
6
Q
migrants during WW2 ECONOMIC IMPACT
A
- as in WW1 migrants played essential role working in factories to provide munitions and other essential roles eg. firemen and air raid wardens
- merchant seamen shipped materials from across the world to britain
7
Q
migrants during WW2 SOCIAL/CULTURAL IMPACT
A
- large numbers of poles settled in britain and integrated into british society, bringing their traditions and cuisine
8
Q
commonwealth migrants (after 1945) POLITICAL IMPACT
A
- heated political issue = enoch Powell’s “rivers of Blood” speech (very divisive).
- 1966 = racist party National Front was launched, calling for immigrants to be deported.
- 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott. this campaign led to 1965 and 68 Race Relations Acts, making racial discrimination illegal.
- Stephen Lawrence (young black man murdered in 1993). let to an inquiry that concluded there was “institutional racism” in the metropolitan police.
9
Q
commonwealth migrants (after 1945) ECONOMIC IMPACT
A
- migrant labour from the Commonwealth helped reconstruct the country after WW2 and maintain healthy and transport services
- migrant bus drivers and hospital nurses/doctors were essential to these services, and STILL ARE TODAY.
- migrants factory workers were essential to many businesses in the 1960s and 70s
10
Q
commonwealth migrants (after 1945) SOCIAL/CULTURAL IMPACT
A
- Caribbean migrants brought new music (eg ska and reggae) that fused with British music to revolutionise the music scene. many popular genres today have their roots in Caribbean culture.
- Claudia Jones organised a Caribbean Carnival to demonstrate Caribbean culture. this eventually developed into Notting Hill carnival which is Europes biggest street festival.
- migrants brought food that has been adopted and embraced in this country (doner kebabs or tikka masala)
- most migrants communities have their own churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and gurdwaras.
- anti immigrant feeling still exists especially in the deprived areas
11
Q
migrants from EU POLITICAL IMPACT
A
- financial crash of 2008 led to UKIP (campaigning for UK to leave EU and an end to ‘uncontrolled mass immigration”) grew in popularity.
- 2016 referendum = immigration was a major political issue and Britain voted to leave EU, which has brought free movement of people to an end
12
Q
migrants from EU ECONOMIC IMPACT
A
- supporters of free movement of people argue that the economic boom of early 2000s was partly thanks to migrants workers taking lower paid jobs in the service sector and paying taxes to support an ageing population
- opponents argue that since 2008 financial market crash, too many people are coming into the UK and our housing stock, schools and hospitals cannot cope.
13
Q
migrants from EU SOCIAL/CULTURAL IMPACT
A
- EU migrants have largely integrated into British society and British people regularly eat types of food.
14
Q
political refugees and asylum seekers POLITICAL IMPACT
A
- 1993 ASYLUM ACT made the definition of a refugee much narrower (to restrict refugees)
- 1999 ASYLUM ACT removed access to benefits in favour of food vouchers.
15
Q
political refugees and asylum seekers ECONOMIC IMPACT
A
- asylum seekers have contributed significantly to the economy, including in low-paid jobs in service industries that have contributes to Britain’s economic success in the early 2000s.
