modern

• when was the modern period?

  1900 - now
• Belgians:

  why - 250,000 fleeing German invasion

  impact - helped Britain's war effort but many left shortly after

  experience - found homes and jobs as initially welcomed but then later were resented
• Germans:

  why - many already lived in Britain from when they came during Industry and Empire era

  impact - brought German butchers and bakeries but didn't stay long

  experience - 1915: Lusitania sunk leading to Anti-German feeling; during WWI 29,000 deported as 'enemy aliens' (Aliens Restriction Act made enemy aliens register at police stations to show good character and knowledge - if failed were deported). German shops were confiscated following 'Trading with the Enemy Act' - sent to prisoner of war camps and accused of being spies.
• Polish:

  why - fought for allies in WWII and had job opportunities due to shortage of labour following the war. 1947: Polish Resettlement Act - allowed to stay in Britain

  impact - helped defeat Germany during WWII -> shot down German pilots & those who stayed after the act contributed to industrialisation.

  experience - government supported them but 56% of society wanted them to leave
• Commonwealth:

  why - came from Africa & the Caribbean. Fought for Britain in WWI. 1948: British Nationality act invited them as labour needed following shortage. Arrived in vast numbers on the Windrush

  impact - fought for integration and less discrimination and had huge contributions to economy, culture and sport

  experience - 'colour-bar': refused jobs and accommodation as weren't accepted even though they were legally British. many worked in the NHS after it was established in 1948
• EU:

  why - workers in the EU could find work in any other EU country

  impact - economic contribution and growth in anti-migrant feeling leading to Brexit

  experience - mostly positive: formed their own communities and undertook difficult jobs in the UK
• refugees:

  why - fleeing persecution and conflict (many from Iraq / Afghanistan)

  impact - had to apply for asylum in Britain and were banned from working without the governments permission

  experience - not welcomed by locals and had to live in poor conditions or detention centers
• what was the ‘Trading with the Enemy Act’?

  1939 - government had permission to confiscate German-owned businesses
• who was sent to interment camps?

  Jews who spoke German, Germans who were seen as spies and Italians as Italy had joined sides with Germany - all were seen as guilty until proven otherwise during WWII
• Jewish refugees:

  why - fleeing Nazi leadership, anti-semitism and German invasion (Britian had restrictions over number of refugees allowed but following 'Kristallnacht' they relaxed)

  impact - British charities organised evacuation of Jewish children to Britain - known as 'Kindertransport'. Sponsored children lived with families and unsponsored lived in shelters

  experience - experiences varied under foster families but some were put to work and mistreated whilst others were part of the family. Following end of war many joined army or left for USA or stayed and became very successful in science and the arts - could not return as parents dead
• what was the British Nationality Act?

  Following war, Britain faced many labour shortages and so in 1948 government passed act which named all those living in British colonies and the Commonwealth, citizens of Britian. This gave them the right to enter Britain freely to encourage labour.
• why was Britain attractive for migrants during modern era?

  economic: Britain was full of job opportunities which appealed to those who lacked this at home

  political: when countries like India gained independence from Britain and there was tension between the divided country, many migrated to Britain

  escaping persecution: Britain offered an escape from persecution for migrants
• how did the advancement of transportation help migration?

  -development of railroads helped bring children to Britain during 'Kindertransport' easily and was cheaper than boats

  -end of 20th century saw growth in air transport which made it easier for migration to distant countries
• what was the Commonwealth Immigration Act?

  as tensions were rising between Commonwealth Immigrants and the British and race riots broke out, the government passed this act to restrict number of immigrants and made them apply for work voucher - were only allowed in if they could contribute to society with their skills.
• what was the 'National Front' and how did anti-racist groups respond?

  a racist political party that only allowed white people to join - they believed only white people should be allowed to migrate to Britain. Anti-racist groups responded violently to the march the National Front conducted through a largely black populated area because the police would not respond themselves
• Who was Enoch Powell?

  A conservative politician who is famous for his 'Rivers of Blood' speech - he made racist remarks and criticised the government