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'Between 1500 and 2010, the British Empire was the most important reason for migration to Britain.' How far do you agree? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 4
'Between 1500 and 2010, the British Empire was the most important reason for migration to Britain.' How far do you agree?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Between 1500 and 2010, the British Empire was the most important reason for migration to Britain.' How far do you agree? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Example supporting the statement
Answer
One of the prominent reasons for migration to Britain during the period covered by the British Empire was the influx of people from former colonies. For example, migrants from the Caribbean moved to Britain in the post-World War II years, primarily to fill labor shortages. This movement was encouraged by the Empire's legacy, particularly the 1948 British Nationality Act, which allowed citizens of Commonwealth countries the right to settle in Britain.
Step 2
Example contradicting the statement
Answer
However, it is also essential to recognize other factors that drove migration. Since the late 20th century, many migrants from Eastern Europe arrived following the European Union's expansion. This indicates that while the British Empire played a historical role, modern migration was increasingly influenced by economic opportunities within Europe rather than imperial ties.
Step 3
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while the British Empire was undoubtedly a significant factor in migration patterns over several centuries, it is misleading to label it as the most important reason without acknowledging the multifaceted causes of migration, including economic needs and political changes in more recent history.