Irish migration to Britain in the 19th century
I can recall that many Irish people migrated to Britain in the 19th and 20th centuries, and that they experienced significant discrimination.
Irish migration to Britain in the 19th century
I can recall that many Irish people migrated to Britain in the 19th and 20th centuries, and that they experienced significant discrimination.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the 19th century there was significant migration from Ireland to Britain.
- The Potato Famine and the availability of jobs in Britain were key reasons for migration from Ireland.
- The early experiences of Irish immigration were discrimination and xenophobia.
- In 1922 Ireland was partitioned into Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State, the latter an independent republic.
- The partition of Ireland led to a legacy of violence between unionists and republicans.
Keywords
Famine - an extreme scarcity of food
Migrant - someone who moves from one country to another
Partition - to divide into parts
Common misconception
All those in Northern Ireland were Protestant and all those elsewhere in Ireland were Catholic.
Ireland was predominantly Catholic but there was a population in the north who were predominantly Protestant, who remained part of the UK as Northern Ireland after partition.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Northern Ireland, mainly Protestant, supported union with Britain
Irish Free State, mainly Catholic, supported a united Ireland