Post-war migration to Britain
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how the conditions in post-war Britain led to an increase in migration from the Caribbean and Europe.
Key learning points
- As a result of the damage caused by the Second World War, Britain was in need of 1.3 million workers.
- The 1948 Nationality Act increased the number of migrants from the Commonwealth.
- New laws were intended to encourage the migration of workers from predominantly white nations (e.g. Ireland and Poland).
- Although their migration was encouraged, migrants often faced prejudice and hostility on arriving in Britain.
Keywords
Commonwealth - an international community made up of Britain and many of its former colonies
Common misconception
All migrants from predominantly white nations were welcomed by authorities and local communities.
Although Irish migrants were encouraged to migrate, they often faced hostility on arriving in Britain. Like Caribbean migrants, many struggled to find suitable accommodation as landlords were unwilling to rent to them.
Teacher tip
Emphasise that race played an increasing role in the experiences of migrants in the 20th century, however, it was not the only defining feature - as seen in the experiences of Irish migrants.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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.Why did Britain turn to its colonies to find soldiers during World War One (WW1)?
Q2.How many soldiers from the colonies fought for Britain?
Q3.Why did many British citizens become hostile towards demobilised black and Asian troops?
Q4.What violent event occurred in Liverpool in June 1919?
Q5.What did the government introduce in 1925 which affected migration?
Q6.Where did migrants serve in the army during World War Two (WW2)?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How did Britain suffer after World War Two (WW2)?
Q2.How many people were needed to rebuild Britain after WW2?
Q3.What is the name of the international community made up of Britain and her former colonies?
Q4.Which European migrants to post-war Britain faced similar levels of discrimination to Caribbean migrants?
Q5.Why did some Polish people in Britain not want to return to Poland after WW2?
Q6.How did the British government support Polish migrants after WW2?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Post-war migration to Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Post-war migration to 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 Migrants in Britain, c800–present unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.