Immigration – GCSE History Eduqas Revision

The Wave of Post-War Immigration

In the wake of World War II, Britain called upon immigrants from its colonies and Commonwealth countries to help address labour shortages, marking the beginning of significant post-war immigration.
The British Nationality Act (1948) was pivotal, offering citizenship to all people living in Commonwealth countries and creating the foundation for mass immigration.
The arrival of the Empire Windrush in June 1948, carrying over 500 settlers from Caribbean countries, symbolised the beginning of mass migration to the UK.

The implementation of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act in 1962 and 1968 and the Immigration Act of 1971 were efforts by the government to control immigration.
These acts introduced the requirement for employment vouchers for immigrants and restricted the right to free entry for Commonwealth citizens, marking a shift in British immigration policy.

Immigration from various parts of the world had a transformative effect on British society and culture.
The emergence of diverse and multicultural communities, particularly in urban areas, led to a fusion of different customs, festivals, and food—marking the beginning of modern multicultural Britain.
However, immigration also led to racial and ethnic tensions, epitomised by the Notting Hill race riots in 1958 and the rise of far-right groups such as the National Front in the 1970s.

Immigrant populations played a crucial role in post-war reconstruction, with many working in key sectors such as transport, the health service and manufacturing.
These communities also played a significant role in Britain’s economic progress during the transition from austerity to affluence.

Throughout these decades, immigration was a contentious political issue with periods of public opposition and policy shifts aimed at controlling immigrant numbers.
Discrimination and poor living conditions faced by immigrants catalysed the introduction of anti-discrimination laws, including the Race Relations Acts of 1965 and 1976.
The era also saw the rise of significant activism centred around immigrant rights and anti-racism, with figures like Claudia Jones and organisations like the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination coming to prominence.