Section 6 - Social Tensions

• Race and youth were two particular fields where tensions developed.
• People came from the New Commonwealth as labour shortages grew with India, Pakistan and the Caribbean being a part of this agreement.
• As part of the New Commonwealth, people were encouraged to move to Britain to find basic work.
• Asian communities became centred in textile areas.
• Heavy industry attracted Asian and Caribbean communities in the West Midlands.
• London became a job magnet for all groups.
• 240,000 people immigrated to Britain between 1940 and 1949.
• 676,000 people immigrated to the UK between 1950 and 1959.
• Racial attacks took place in 1958 with the biggest attack being in Notting Hill in London.
• TV coverage of Notting Hill showed attacks on emergency services who were trying to douse burning buildings.
• Tensions at Notting Hill were largely the result of cultural differences and limited accommodation.
• The Salmon Report was an official inquiry into race riots.
• Britain's population resented the New Commonwealth because immigrants could work for lower wages and they feared it would undercut their employment potential.
• Immigrants were forcing up the costs of rent which lessened out available housing stock.
• The Caribbeans caused sexual jealousy to Britons and they were afraid of being "too attractive to many white women".
• Citizenship in Britain was given to Commonwealth citizens but the Commonwealth Immigration Act in 1962 limited immigration.
• The Commonwealth Immigration Act limited immigration to jobs and skills.
• Britain experienced a post-war baby boom and these people were growing up in the 1950s.
• The 1950s saw tensions of different generations in an era of full employment.
• Rebellion in the baby boomers was limited to teenage fashions and listening to rock n roll.
• Teddy Boys were a youth group with particular concern and could be identified by their slick hair and Edwardian suits.
• Teddy Boys disrespected older people because older people feared that they were possibly violent.
• Teddy Boys showed violence by fighting conscripts and other races.
• Kensington News reported on racial riots in September 1958 and young children chanted "come on let's get the blacks and coppers".