New
New
Year 10
AQA

Experience of post-WW2 migrants in Britain

I can describe the experiences of those who migrated to Britain after WW2.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

Experience of post-WW2 migrants in Britain

I can describe the experiences of those who migrated to Britain after WW2.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The end of the British Empire and independence caused migration to Britain, often for economic reasons.
  2. Many people migrated to Britain because they felt a close connection to the country.
  3. Despite many migrants being invited to Britain they experienced racism and discrimination.
  4. British opposition to immigration arguably contributed to the Brexit Referendum in 2016.

Keywords

  • Commonwealth - international group of countries which once belonged to the British Empire

  • Brexit - coined after the UK voted to leave the EU, referring to British exit from the European Union

  • Referendum - a vote held in which citizens vote directly on a closed question

  • Eurosceptic - someone who is generally against close ties with the European Union

Common misconception

The British Nationality Act of 1948 led to an immediate and easy integration of Commonwealth immigrants into British society

Although the British Nationality Act of 1948 allowed Commonwealth citizens to settle in the UK, many immigrants faced significant challenges upon arrival.

Encourage students to reflect on how history and policies affected people's views and immigrant experiences, and ask students to think about how these past events connect to today's issues with immigration and integration.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the name for the organisation set up in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome?
Correct Answer: European Economic Community, EEC
Q2.
Which countries were founding members of the EEC?
Correct answer: Belgium
Britain
Correct answer: France
Ireland
Correct answer: Italy
Q3.
Why did Britain originally not join the EEC?
Correct answer: Britain felt it would be better off outside the organisation.
Correct answer: Britain had support from other countries as part of its empire.
Correct answer: Britain often argued with France, who were part of the EEC.
Correct answer: Britain had a close relationship with the USA.
Britain was not considered part of Europe.
Q4.
When did Britain join the EEC?
1961
1967
Correct answer: 1973
1983
Q5.
What led to more migration to Britain from Eastern Europe from the 1990s?
The formation of the EEC.
Correct answer: The enlargement of the EU.
The idea of a single European currency.
Correct answer: The principle of free movement for members of the EU.
Q6.
Match these events to their descriptions.
Correct Answer:Treaty of Rome,This led to the formation of the EEC.

This led to the formation of the EEC.

Correct Answer:Single European Act,This led to the creation of a single market.

This led to the creation of a single market.

Correct Answer:Maastricht Treaty,This led to the EEC becoming the EU.

This led to the EEC becoming the EU.

Correct Answer:Euro as a single currency,This led to 12 EU countries using the same currency.

This led to 12 EU countries using the same currency.

6 Questions

Q1.
In what year was the British Nationality Act passed?
1928
1938
Correct answer: 1948
1958
Q2.
When did HMT Empire Windrush arrive in the UK?
1928
1938
Correct answer: 1948
1958
Q3.
How did coming from a Commonwealth country benefit some migrants who came to Britain?
They shared the same traditions and foods.
Correct answer: They spoke the same language (English).
Correct answer: They had experience of the British education system.
Correct answer: They were familiar with British laws and customs.
They were geographically close to Britain.
Q4.
Complete the following sentence: A was held in 2016 for British citizens to vote whether to leave or remain in the EU.
Correct Answer: referendum
Q5.
What term is used for someone who is generally against close ties with the European Union?
Correct Answer: eurosceptic, eurosceptics
Q6.
Put the following events in chronological order.
1 - World War Two
2 - British Nationality Act
3 - expansion of the EU to include more Eastern European countries
4 - Brexit referendum

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