Impact of empire on migration in and out of Britain
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can recall that the British Empire caused a significant amount of migration to and from Britain, as well as migration within the Empire.
Key learning points
- Many people migrated to Britain from the colonies, such as India and Ireland.
- WW1 and WW2 caused increased migration due to soldiers from the colonies fighting for Britain.
- Many Jewish people migrated to Britain fleeing persecution in Europe.
- Many people from Britain migrated to other parts of the empire for largely economic reasons.
- The Empire caused migration between different colonies, such as India and parts of Africa.
Keywords
Colony - a country or area under the control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country
Persecution - being targeted and treated badly, worse than others, over a sustained period of time
Common misconception
All migration in this period was voluntary and driven by individual choices.
Not all migrations were voluntary at this time. For instance, indentured labour schemes often coerced individuals into migration under harsh conditions. Additionally, Jewish migration was frequently driven by persecution.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to reflect on the impact of migration on British society and the moral implications of colonial migration policies.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Soldiers from which British colony played a vital role on the Western Front during World War One (WW1)?
Q2.In which British cities did black ex-servicemen suffer severe discrimination after the First World War?
Q3.How did African and Caribbean soldiers help during WW1?
Q4.What is the term for a country or area under the control of another country?
Q5.Where did soldiers from the colonies serve during World War Two (WW2)?
Q6.What policy was put in place to enable people from the Commonwealth to come to Britain?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.From where did many people migrate to Britain in the 19th century?
Q2.What is the term for being targeted and treated badly, worse than others, over a sustained period of time?
Q3. Some of the main reasons for people to migrate to Britain in the 19th century included ...
Q4.How did being part of the British Empire make migration easier?
Q5.Where did many Britons migrate to during the 19th century?
Q6.Put the following events in chronological order.
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Impact of empire on migration in and out of Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Impact of empire on migration in and out of Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Britain: Migration, empires and the people - c790 to the present day unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.