Multi-racial Britain (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes

Multi-racial Britain

Introduction to post-war migration

People from many different backgrounds have been coming to Britain for centuries, but after the Second World War, the scale and pace of migration increased dramatically. This period saw Britain transform into a truly multi-racial society, with significant numbers of people arriving from Commonwealth countries across the former British Empire.

The development of multi-racial Britain was shaped by both economic needs and political changes. Britain required workers to rebuild after the war, while many Commonwealth citizens saw opportunities for better lives in the UK. However, this transformation was not without challenges, as new communities faced discrimination and hostility from some sections of British society.

Reasons for migration to Britain after 1945

Several interconnected factors drove increased migration to Britain from Commonwealth countries after 1945:

Economic opportunities: Britain experienced a severe labour shortage following the war. The government actively encouraged Commonwealth citizens to come and work, particularly in essential services like transport, healthcare, and manufacturing. Wages in Britain were significantly higher than in many Commonwealth countries, making migration an attractive prospect for those seeking economic advancement.

Commonwealth connections: People from former British colonies, including the West Indies, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, held British citizenship through their Commonwealth status. The 1948 British Nationality Act granted Commonwealth citizens the right to live and work in Britain, making legal migration relatively straightforward.

Escape from difficulties: Many migrants were fleeing economic hardship, political instability, or seeking to escape debt and family problems in their home countries. Britain represented a fresh start and new opportunities.

Adventure and opportunity: Particularly among young people, there was excitement about experiencing life in Britain. Many were drawn by advertisements and recruitment campaigns that painted an optimistic picture of life in the UK, promoting work opportunities in hospitals, public transport, and factories.

The Windrush generation

The arrival of the MV Empire Windrush in 1948 marked a pivotal moment in British immigration history. This ship brought approximately 500 West Indian immigrants to Britain, and their arrival is often considered the beginning of large-scale Commonwealth migration to the UK.

The migrants were predominantly young men seeking work, though many later brought their families to join them. In addition to Caribbean migration, Britain also welcomed other groups during this period. Thousands of Polish people who had fought alongside Britain during the Second World War chose to remain rather than return to newly communist Poland. Furthermore, around 8,000 Italians were specifically invited to work in the brick factories near Bedford, demonstrating the targeted nature of some migration policies.

Discrimination and challenges

Despite being legally entitled to live and work in Britain, Commonwealth migrants faced significant discrimination across multiple areas of daily life. This discrimination was both institutional and personal, creating substantial barriers to integration.

Housing discrimination was particularly severe. Banks frequently refused to provide mortgages to Commonwealth migrants, effectively preventing them from buying homes. When they sought rental accommodation, many landlords openly refused to rent to them, often displaying signs stating "No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs". This forced many migrants into overcrowded, poor-quality housing, often managed by exploitative landlords who charged excessive rents.

Employment discrimination was widespread across British industries. Some companies operated unofficial "colour bars", employing only white workers in certain roles or industries. Even when migrants found work, they often faced racism from colleagues and were frequently given the most difficult or dangerous jobs while being passed over for promotions.

Public discrimination extended into everyday life, affecting access to services, shops, and social facilities. This created a sense of exclusion and made it difficult for new communities to fully participate in British society.

Most Commonwealth migrants initially settled in London, particularly in areas like Brixton, Notting Hill, and Hackney. However, migrant communities eventually established themselves in cities across Britain, each facing similar challenges of discrimination and social exclusion.

Rising hostility and political responses

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, racial tensions in Britain increased as some politicians and groups began using anti-immigrant rhetoric for political gain. This period saw the emergence of organised opposition to Commonwealth migration.

Political exploitation of tensions reached a peak in 1968 when Conservative MP Enoch Powell delivered his infamous "Rivers of Blood" speech. Powell called for migrants to be repatriated (sent back to their original countries) and predicted that racial tensions would lead to violence if immigration continued. His inflammatory language suggested that Britain would face serious social problems due to migration.

The National Front emerged as a racist political party that organised marches in areas with significant immigrant populations. Their activities were designed to intimidate minority communities and promote anti-immigrant sentiment. The party gained some support among certain sections of the white British population who felt threatened by social change.

Government responses and legislation

Faced with growing tensions and discrimination, successive British governments attempted to balance controlling immigration with protecting the rights of those already in Britain.

The 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act represented the first major attempt to restrict Commonwealth immigration. This legislation required Commonwealth citizens to obtain work permits before entering Britain. However, the act backfired in some ways, as many migrants, fearing they might not be allowed back into Britain if they left, decided to bring their wives and children to join them permanently. This led to immigrant communities becoming more family-based and settled, rather than consisting mainly of temporary male workers.

The 1965 Race Relations Act marked Britain's first serious attempt to tackle discrimination. This groundbreaking legislation made it illegal to discriminate against people based on their race in public places, employment, and housing. While this was an important first step, enforcement was often weak, and discrimination continued in many areas of life.

These legislative changes represented the government's recognition that Britain had indeed become a multi-racial society and that legal protections were necessary to ensure fair treatment for all citizens, regardless of their background.

Timeline of key events

• 1948: MV Empire Windrush arrives, bringing approximately 500 West Indian immigrants to Britain; British Nationality Act grants Commonwealth citizens right to live and work in UK
• 1958: Over 200,000 Commonwealth citizens living in Britain
• 1962: Commonwealth Immigrants Act introduces work permit requirements
• 1965: Race Relations Act makes racial discrimination illegal in public places
• 1968: Enoch Powell delivers "Rivers of Blood" speech calling for repatriation
• 1977: National Front march in Lewisham leads to clashes with 4,000 anti-racist protesters