The World Wars and colonial migrants
I can explain the role colonial migrants played in the world wars and how this impacted migration to Britain and the experiences of migrants in the early 20th century.
The World Wars and colonial migrants
I can explain the role colonial migrants played in the world wars and how this impacted migration to Britain and the experiences of migrants in the early 20th century.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- As the British Empire had reached its peak by 1914, millions of colonial soldiers fought for Britain in both World Wars.
- In the interwar period, race became an increasingly defining feature of the experience of migrants.
- By 1939, many colonial soldiers fought in the Second World War with the hopes of earning their independence.
Keywords
Colony - somewhere under the full control of another country, and is usually occupied by settlers from that country
Standing army - an army ready to be mobilised for war at any time
Demobilised - troops that are out of service, typically at the end of a war
Race riots - riots that break out between groups that identify as different races (e.g. black and white people)
Common misconception
Colonial soldiers joined the British war effort in both world wars, out of a sense of nationalism and pride for their 'motherland'.
Colonial soldiers had often already been part of standing armies that were ordered to join the war effort, and by 1939 many colonial soldiers were only fighting in the hope that it might win them independence from the British Empire.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- 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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