Race relations in 20th century Britain
I can explain how the experiences of black and Asian people in post-war Britain were impacted by increasing racism and changing laws.
Race relations in 20th century Britain
I can explain how the experiences of black and Asian people in post-war Britain were impacted by increasing racism and changing laws.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- As increasing numbers of black and Asian people settled in Britain, racism and discrimination also increased.
- The Race Relations Acts were introduced to address issues of ongoing racism in Britain.
- The media was used to exacerbate tensions and to increase support for anti-immigration campaigns.
- The Race Relations Acts did not change public attitudes overnight, but did show changing attitudes of the government.
Keywords
Race riots - riots that break out between groups that identify as different race (e.g. black and white people)
Colour bar - a system where people who are not considered white are denied access to the same services as white people
Repatriation - to return someone to the country they came from, this can be both voluntarily or involuntarily
Common misconception
The Race Relations Acts completely addressed the issues of racism that were rampant in post-war Britain.
The Race Relations Act went a long way in showing changing government attitudes and providing some protection to black and Asian people in post-war Britain - but they could not and did not change public attitudes overnight.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Race relations in 20th century Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Race relations in 20th century 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Migration: how far have migrants been welcomed in modern Britain? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
migrants with a job in Britain to come to
migrants with special skills in short supply
migrants who could only take up unskilled jobs