Windrush- A case study Flashcards
Which countries were still part of the empire in 1948?
Some of the West Indies
Jamaica
Trinidad
They helped Britain to win WWII. These islands has provided over 10,000 men for Britain’s army, navy and air force.
What happened after the war?
Upon returning home, life was hard and Jamaica was devastated by a hurricane in 1944. There was no tourist industry and their main export sugar was priced at an all-time low.
What act of parliament was passed in 1948?
The British Nationality Act was passed. This meant that anyone living in the British Empire (Commonwealth) was a British passport holder and could live and work in Britain. Even if you had never visited Britain before you were entitled to come and live in Britain.
Many West Indians felt very British as they had grown up speaking English and were named after British heroes. They had also been taught to believe in the Queen.
Why did many people come to Britain?
Britain needed workers to keep society working
How did they get to Britain?
They travelled to the UK on The Empire Windrush and arrived here on 22nd June, 1948. There were initially 500 people.
Were they welcomed here?
Many people were racially discriminated against. Some companies said that they didn’t want black people to work for them. Others found it difficult to find housing.
How many people make up the Windrush generation?
It is estimated that 500,000 people travelled here between 1948 and 1971
What reasons make this a scandal?
- People were treated badly
- Children of settlers were told that they did not legally belong in the UK.
- In 1971 people were told they could stay here permanently, however in 2012, changes to immigration law meant that people were told that they couldn’t stay here.
- Some were sent to deportation centres and made to leave the UK.
How was the scandal dealt with?
In 2018, Windrush cases were reviewed and the UK Govt said that people deported illegally could return. The govt also apologised to Caribbean leaders and said that none of the Windrush generation had to leave the UK.
22nd June is now officially Windrush day. A day that celebrates contributions made my the Windrush generation.
