The British Empire and migration to Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries
I can explain the reasons for increasing migration from across the British Empire, and describe the experiences and the impact of these migrants on Britain.
The British Empire and migration to Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries
I can explain the reasons for increasing migration from across the British Empire, and describe the experiences and the impact of these migrants on Britain.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- From the 1700s the British Empire began to expand, leading to increasing numbers of migrants from both Asia and Africa.
- The 1800s saw the rapid growth of the British Empire in Africa, leading to greater numbers of African migrants.
- Despite most migrants having negative experiences, there were a number of exceptions who lived successful lives.
- Migrants from across the empire had the greatest impact on politics and the economy.
Keywords
Colony - somewhere under the full control of another country, usually occupied by settlers from that country
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
Civil liberties - a person’s right to be subject to laws that are only for the good of the community
Lascar - a sailor, usually from Britain’s colonies across Africa and Asia
Ayah - a nurse, maid or nanny who is usually of Indian descent
Common misconception
Migrants from the Empire only includes those who travelled from as far as Asia and Africa.
As Ireland did not become part of Britain in 1801, many people considered Ireland a colony and therefore Irish migrants are often treated as migrants from within Britain's empire.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The British Empire and migration to Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The British Empire and migration to Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries, 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: what was the impact of 18th and 19th century migration? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
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Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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