Migration and settlement (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Notes
Migration and settlement in modern Britain (c.1900-present)
Introduction
From 1900 onwards, Britain experienced significant waves of migration and settlement. People came to Britain for various reasons, creating diverse communities that have shaped modern British society. Understanding these migration patterns helps us see how Britain became the multicultural nation it is today.
The period from 1900 to the present represents one of the most transformative eras in British history regarding population diversity. This transformation was driven by both international events and deliberate government policies.
Major reasons for migration to Britain
People migrated to Britain for three main reasons during this period: seeking safety from war and conflict, escaping persecution based on religion or ethnicity, and looking for economic opportunities and better living conditions.
Seeking safety from war
The two world wars created massive displacement across Europe, leading many people to seek refuge in Britain.
First World War Belgian Refugees (1914-1918)
When Germany invaded Belgium in 1914, it triggered one of the largest refugee movements to Britain:
Step 1: The Crisis
- Germany's invasion forced immediate evacuation of Belgian civilians
- Around 250,000 Belgian refugees fled to Britain
Step 2: Government Response
- The British government suspended the 1905 Aliens Act, which had restricted immigration
- This allowed refugees unrestricted entry during the crisis
Step 3: Temporary Settlement
- Most Belgians saw their stay as temporary
- The majority returned home in 1919 after the war ended
- This demonstrated Britain's willingness to provide sanctuary during international crises
Second World War (1939-1945):
- Approximately 160,000 Polish people came to Britain during and after the war
- Many Polish soldiers and civilians regarded Britain as a safe haven from Nazi occupation
- Unlike the Belgians, many Polish migrants decided to remain permanently after 1945, particularly because Poland had become a communist state
- This created lasting Polish communities, such as the large settlement in Bradford, West Yorkshire
Escaping persecution
Between December 1938 and September 1939, over 8,000 Jewish children travelled to Britain to escape Nazi persecution. This rescue operation became known as the 'Kindertransport' (children's transport). These children were fleeing the increasing anti-Jewish violence in Germany and occupied territories.
Most Kindertransport children were expected to return home after the war, but tragically, many of their relatives had perished in the Holocaust, making Britain their permanent home. This highlights how persecution-driven migration often becomes permanent settlement due to circumstances beyond migrants' control.
Looking for work and better opportunities
After the Second World War, Britain faced a massive reconstruction challenge. Bombing had destroyed much infrastructure, and there was a severe labour shortage. The government actively encouraged migration from the Commonwealth to help rebuild the nation.
The Empire Windrush and Caribbean Migration (1948)
The government's recruitment of Caribbean workers marked a turning point in British immigration:
Step 1: Government Initiative
- In 1948, the government launched initiatives to bring workers from the Caribbean
- Workers were actively recruited to address specific labour needs
Step 2: The Windrush Arrival
- The Empire Windrush ship docked at Tilbury in June 1948
- Carried over 800 migrants from the Caribbean
Step 3: Employment Integration
- Migrants were deployed to work on London's transport system
- Many joined the newly created National Health Service (NHS)
- This marked the beginning of significant Caribbean settlement in Britain
Migration from the Empire and Commonwealth
The end of the British Empire created both opportunities and challenges that led to substantial migration to Britain. As former colonies gained independence, complex relationships between Britain and these new nations influenced migration patterns.
India and Pakistan (1947)
When Britain granted independence to India in 1947, the partition created two separate countries - India and Pakistan. This partition resulted in terrible violence and displacement, causing thousands of people to migrate to Britain seeking safety and stability.
The partition of India was one of the most traumatic events of the 20th century, displacing millions of people. Many who came to Britain during this period were not just seeking economic opportunities, but fleeing communal violence and political instability.
East African migrations
The decolonization of East Africa created unique migration situations, particularly for Asian communities who had settled there during colonial rule.
Kenya Asian Migration (1967)
Kenya's post-independence policies created a significant migration wave:
Background: Kenya had a large Asian population who had settled there during colonial rule
Step 1: The Choice (1967)
- Four years after Kenya's independence, President Jomo Kenyatta gave all Asians a choice
- Option 1: Become Kenyan citizens
- Option 2: Remain British citizens
- About 95,000 people chose to keep British citizenship
Step 2: The Consequence
- Non-Kenyans could only stay temporarily in Kenya
- By 1968, around 20,000 had migrated to Britain
Step 3: Settlement Pattern
- Many settled in London and Leicester
- Created vibrant Asian communities that persist today
Uganda Asian Expulsion (1972)
Uganda's experience shows how quickly migration situations can change:
Background: The Asian community in Uganda had contributed significantly to the country's prosperity
Step 1: Initial Policy
- President Idi Amin first ordered their expulsion
- Later changed his mind after economic concerns
Step 2: Failed Negotiations
- After failed negotiations, situation became untenable
- The British government offered a solution
Step 3: Migration Resolution
- British government offered Asians in Uganda either Indian or British passport if they wanted to leave
- About 27,000 chose to come to Britain
- Thousands settled in Leicester, significantly expanding the city's Asian community
Other significant migration patterns
Beyond the major Commonwealth migrations, several other important patterns shaped modern Britain's demographic landscape.
European Union migration
Britain's membership in the European Union created new migration opportunities. EU citizenship gave people the right to enter and work in Britain freely. This became particularly significant after 2004, when nine Eastern European countries joined the EU. Thousands migrated to Britain to find work that paid better than in their home countries.
EU migration represented a different type of movement compared to earlier Commonwealth migration. Unlike refugees or actively recruited workers, EU migrants came primarily for economic opportunities and maintained the legal right to move freely between member countries.
Irish migration
Migration from Ireland continued at relatively high levels throughout the 20th century. Irish citizens were exempt from the 1905 Aliens Act and were allowed to migrate freely to Britain. After the Republic of Ireland became independent in 1922, most Irish people came seeking work opportunities in Britain, often joining family and existing Irish communities.
Asylum seekers and refugees
In 1951, Britain signed the United Nations Convention on Refugees, formally agreeing to offer asylum to people facing persecution in their home countries. This international commitment meant that many migrants could apply for asylum and arrive in Britain legally. However, some desperate refugees also resorted to paying smugglers to enter Britain illegally when legal routes were unavailable.
The 1951 UN Convention on Refugees established Britain's legal obligation to protect those fleeing persecution. This created a framework that continues to influence British immigration policy today, distinguishing between economic migrants and those with legitimate claims for protection.
Timeline of key migration events
- 1905: Aliens Act restricts immigration (suspended during WWI)
- 1914-1919: 250,000 Belgian refugees flee to Britain
- 1938-1939: 'Kindertransport' brings 8,000 Jewish children to safety
- 1947: Indian partition leads to migration from India and Pakistan
- 1948: Empire Windrush arrives, beginning major Caribbean migration
- 1951: Britain signs UN Convention on Refugees
- 1967: Kenya independence creates Asian migration wave
- 1972: Uganda expels Asian population, 27,000 come to Britain
- 2004: EU expansion allows Eastern European migration
Key Points to Remember:
- Britain became a destination for migrants due to war, persecution, economic opportunities, and government encouragement
- The two world wars were major catalysts for refugee movements, particularly from Belgium and Poland
- Commonwealth migration after 1948 was actively encouraged by the British government to address labour shortages
- Different migrant groups settled in specific areas, creating lasting communities (e.g., Polish in Bradford, Asians in Leicester)
- Legal frameworks like the 1905 Aliens Act and 1951 UN Convention shaped who could enter Britain and under what circumstances
- Migration patterns reflected both international crises and Britain's changing role from empire to modern multicultural nation