Case study: Liverpool in the 19th century
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the reasons for increasing migration to Liverpool, the experiences of these migrants and the impact of these migrants on Liverpool.
Key learning points
- Irish migrants made up most of the migrant community in Liverpool, most migrating as a result of the Great Famine.
- African and Caribbean sailors would settle in Liverpool, looking for work when they were not hired for return trips.
- Life for migrants in Liverpool was often positive, as the large existing migrant community provided many opportunities.
- Migrants in Liverpool had a significant impact on the local and national economy.
Keywords
Transatlantic Slave Trade - the trade between Europe, West Africa and the Americas, where goods were exchanged for enslaved people who were sold onto plantations in European colonies
Lascar - a sailor, usually from Britain’s colonies across Africa and Asia
Emancipation - the act of being set free from legal, social or political restrictions
Common misconception
All migrants in Liverpool were from Ireland.
While Irish migrants made up most of the migrant community in Liverpool, there were also a growing number of African and Caribbean sailors who settled in the city.
Teacher tip
Emphasise that life for migrants in Liverpool was often more positive, that this is often typical of places with large, established migrant communities. This often provides them safety to maintain autonomy in various ways, for example, practising Catholicism.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word describes a sailor, usually from Britain’s colonies across Africa and Asia?
Q2.Which of the following places were considered British colonies by 1700?
Q3.What was the significance of the 1778 Papist Act?
Q4.Who was known for criticising British rule in India in their role as a Member of Parliament (MP)?
Q5.Which migrant group's contribution to the building of railways and canals was essential for Britain’s Industrial Revolution?
Q6.Complete the sentence: Families who employed for the journey back to Britain tended to abandon the women as soon as they returned home.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word describes the trade between Europe, West Africa and the Americas, where goods were exchanged for enslaved people who were sold onto plantations in European colonies?
Q2.Which word describes the act of being set free from legal, social or political restrictions?
Q3.Why was there a significant wave of Irish migrants to Britain in the 1840s?
Q4.Why was Liverpool an attractive place for migrants to settle in the 19th century?
Q5.Other than Irish migrants, which migrant group also chose to settle in Liverpool in the 19th century?
Q6.How did the migrant community in Liverpool impact the British economy?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Case study: Liverpool in the 19th century, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Case study: Liverpool in the 19th century, 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 Migrants in Britain, c800–present unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.