New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Post-war migration to Britain
I can explain how the conditions in post-war Britain led to an increase in migration from the Caribbean and Europe.
New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Post-war migration to Britain
I can explain how the conditions in post-war Britain led to an increase in migration from the Caribbean and Europe.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
Lesson details
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.
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.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
Download starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
Why did Britain turn to its colonies to find soldiers during World War One (WW1)?
British men refused to fight.
The war took place in the colonies.
Q2.
How many soldiers from the colonies fought for Britain?
Q3.
Why did many British citizens become hostile towards demobilised black and Asian troops?
They were in competition for the best-paid jobs.
There was not enough food.
Q4.
What violent event occurred in Liverpool in June 1919?
Q5.
What did the government introduce in 1925 which affected migration?
Benefits for migrants who came to Britain
Checks to limit passports for Indian people
Q6.
Where did migrants serve in the army during World War Two (WW2)?
the countryside
the inner cities
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
How did Britain suffer after World War Two (WW2)?
It was hit by extreme weather events.
Many soldiers preferred to stay in Europe.
Q2.
How many people were needed to rebuild Britain after WW2?
130 000
13 million
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?
Britain refused to allow Poles to emigrate.
Polish government bans on immigration.
Q6.
How did the British government support Polish migrants after WW2?
gave Polish migrants free housing
paid for their children to be privately educated
Additional material
Download additional material