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'Official responses toward medieval migrants were more positive than unofficial responses.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR - GCSE History (OCR B Schools History Project) - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 5
'Official responses toward medieval migrants were more positive than unofficial responses.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Official responses toward medieval migrants were more positive than unofficial responses.' How far do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR - GCSE History (OCR B Schools History Project) - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
'Official responses toward medieval migrants were more positive than unofficial responses.'
Answer
To begin with, it's important to recognize the context of official responses towards medieval migrants. Official responses were often shaped by the political and economic conditions of the time, which meant that these responses could be relatively favorable. For example, during the late 14th century, the English crown allowed certain privileges to migrants who contributed to the economy, particularly in trade. This official endorsement was a reflection of the need for skilled labor, as well as the benefits of international trade.
In contrast, unofficial responses were typically marked by skepticism and hostility. Communities often viewed migrants with suspicion, fearing cultural dilution and economic competition. Consider the responses of local populations in towns where migrants settled; instances of xenophobia and social tension were common. For example, in the case of the Huguenots fleeing France, while they were welcomed in cities like London, there were also considerable social challenges, leading to a mixture of support and opposition.
Furthermore, the public perception of migrants often influenced the unofficial responses. Negative stereotypes and generalizations fueled social divisions, making it harder for migrants to integrate into local societies. This illustrates that, while there may be examples of positive treatment from authorities, the unofficial responses from the general public were frequently less welcoming and even hostile.
To conclude, while official responses did exhibit some positive attributes towards medieval migrants, the overall atmosphere of unofficial responses was often marked by negativity, fear, and hostility. Therefore, I agree that there is a more significant trend of negative unofficial responses when compared to the more structured and economically driven official responses.