British Imperial Decolonization 1947 - 1967

Why did people migrate from Empire to Britain, 1947 - 67

• Labour shortages, invited migrants from former colonies and commonwwealth countries who had previously done skilled jobs under Imperial rule

• Many immigrants also sought to obtain better access to work opportunities; especially in countries anticipating economic gains

Where did most commonwealth migrants immigrate from?

Many commonwealth migrants immigrated from countries such as Kenya, Uganda, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Ghana, Cyprus and the West Indies, (amongst other countries) seeking better economic opportunities and living conditions in Britain.

Why did Commonwealth immigrants choose to migrate to Britain

• Commonwealth immigrants chose to migrate to Britain for better economic opportunities, to escape political instability or persecution, and to reunite with family members already residing there.

• They were also attracted by the promise of jobs and the legacy of ties established during the colonial period.

When and why did people immigrate from the West Indies?

• Between 1947 & 1970 - ½ a million people, many arrived on the ship ‘Empire Windrush'

• West Indie migrants were searching for the right to enter, work and settle in Britain; looking for better opportunities for themselves and their children

• Others were looking to work, earn and save money, then return home

What jobs did migrants from the Africa and the West Indies have?

Most took whatever jobs were available, as part of post-war rebuilding

• Transport system workers

• Postal service

• Health services (nurses, receptionists)

What was the reception of Black Migrants?

• The reception of Black migrants in Britain was mixed; while many welcomed their contributions to the workforce, there were also instances of racial prejudice and discrimination. Over time, their presence sparked discussions about immigration policies and cultural integration.

• Some communities embraced them, while others resisted their presence, leading to tensions and calls for social change.

• Many were forced to accept jobs they were overqualified for due to the ‘colour bar' or were paid less than white workers

Other difficulties faced by Black Migrants

• housing discrimination (signs like - Rooms to Let: No dogs, no coloureds)

• limited access to education

• social isolation

• systemic racism caused struggles to integrate into British society.

• challenges in securing stable employment

• experiencing hostility from some segments of the local population, lead to outbreaks of violent ‘race riots' in 1958; with mobs attacking balck people in the streets or smashing and burning their homes.

1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act

Aimed to restrict the number of immigrants settling in Britain, by establishing a voucher system for those migrating to the UK for work.

The law backfired, as those who planned to work and earn money to save, then return home - realised they were unlikely to be readmitted if they left; causing them to bring their families over and settle in the UK permanently

1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Act

Restricted entry to only those with a Father or Grandfather born in the UK

1965 Race Relations Act

• Legislature aimed at addressing racial discrimination and promoting equality.

• Made discriminate on the grounds of; race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin in public places, illegal.

• Also established the Race Relations Board, responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination. Despite its achievements, there were limitations, as it did not address discrimination in private sector jobs or housing; led to further calls for more comprehensive legislation

1968 Race Relations Act

• aimed at addressing racial discrimination and promoting equality in society. It built upon 1965 act; expanding the scope of protections against discrimination in public sectors, including housing, employment, and public services.

• made it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, and provided mechanisms for individuals to lodge complaints of discrimination.

• While it improved legal framework for racial equality, limitations included no cover for discrimination in private sector jobs or housing, led to discussions on the need for more comprehensive laws to effectively combat racism in all areas of life.

When & Why did South Asians migrate to the UK from East Africa?

• The Exodus of South Asians from Kenya - ordered by Kenyatta, began between 1965 and 1967, but carried on through the 1970s; due to the disparity of wealth between Kenyan Indians vs Native Kenyans

• The Expulsion of South Asians from Uganda - ordered by Idi Amin, in August of 1972

What was the reception of South Asian migrants in Britain?

South Asians were met with hostility, from both the press and anti-migrant groups - who organised protests and desired the banning and removal of non-white immigrants

Other responses to the rise in immigration

• Enoch Powell's ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech in 1968

• Anti-migrant protests

British Union of Facists

1958 Notting Hill Riots

Teddy Boy Gangs

Notting Hill Carnival, 1966

British Nationality Act 1948

The London Declarations, 1949