migration Flashcards

Question

low country migrants- experience

Answer 1

Their economic contribution was valued by English authorities. • Some tension with native English workers fearing job competition, causing occasional xenophobic reactions. Practiced their Calvinist faith openly, setting up Stranger Churches which were tolerated by the English Crown. • Their presence contributed to the spread of Protestant ideas in Engl Despite Crown protection, faced social prejudice and economic hostility from locals at times. • The community remained somewhat separate and insular to maintain their religious and cultural identity.

Answer 2

jews irish italian black south asian and chinese germans

Answer 3

Economic hardship and poverty in Ireland, worsened by British rule and poor agricultural conditions. • The Great Famine (1845–1851) was the biggest trigger: potato blight destroyed the main food source, causing mass starvation and forcing millions to leave. • Many sought work opportunities in rapidly industrialising British cities. • Political unrest and land evictions also pushed people out.

Answer 4

Many took low-paid, unskilled labour jobs: • Building canals, railways, and roads (navvies) • Factory work in textiles, shipyards, docks • Domestic servants in wealthier households • Some worked as street vendors and casual labour Irish migrants often lived in overcrowded slums such as the Toxteth district in Liverpool. • Conditions were cramped, unsanitary, and contributed to outbreaks of disease like cholera. Faced discrimination and hostility from local British workers who saw them as competitors. • Widespread anti-Catholic prejudice as most Irish migrants were Catholic in Protestant Britain. • Lived in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, leading to high disease and mortality. • Irish communities often relied on mutual aid and church networks (e.g., Catholic churches, Irish societies).

Answer 5

Irish labour was crucial for Britain’s industrial and infrastructural expansion. • Helped build the railways, canals, docks, which were vital for the Industrial Revolution. • Provided cheap labour that fueled growth in factories and cities. main port of arrival for Irish migrants. • Irish migrants worked as navvies building docks, canals, and railways, for example the construction of the Liverpool docks was heavily reliant on Irish labour

Answer 6

Religious persecution and pogroms in Eastern Europe, especially in the Russian Empire, pushed many Jews to flee. • The Russian pogroms after 1881 (violent anti-Jewish riots) led to a significant wave of migration. • Earlier in the 1700s, wealthier Sephardic Jews (from Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands) had settled in Britain escaping the Inquisition. • They sought religious freedom and safety in a more tolerant society.

Answer 7

Lived in close-knit communities to maintain religious and cultural practices. • Faced widespread antisemitism and prejudice — accused of being outsiders or competitors. • Often lived in overcrowded, unhealthy conditions, with poor sanitation. • Created mutual aid societies, synagogues, and Jewish schools to support each other. • Encountered hostility but built a strong sense of identity and solidarity.

Answer 8

Helped fuel the growth of the textile and clothing industries, particularly in London and northern cities. • Influenced urban culture and economy, adding diversity to Britain’s working-class neighborhoods. • Their presence sparked debates on immigration control, which led to the Aliens Act 1905, Britain’s first law restricting immigration. • Prominent figures like Marks & Spencer’s co-founder Michael Marks (Polish Jew) highlighted Jewish contributions to British business.

Answer 9

Growing public concern over the large influx of Eastern European Jewish refugees fleeing pogroms and poverty. • Fears about overcrowding, unemployment, disease, and strain on public services. • Rising anti-immigrant and antisemitic sentiments in Britain. Immigration control: Immigration officers could deny entry to “undesirable” immigrants, such as those who were ill, criminals, or unable to support themselves. • Registration: Introduced registration of foreigners (aliens) living in Britain. • Deportation: Allowed the government to deport aliens who were seen as a threat or burden. • Applied mainly to paupers, criminals, and people with contagious diseases.

Answer 10

Many Germans came seeking better economic opportunities during periods of hardship in Germany, especially during the 19th century’s industrialisation and agricultural crises. • Some were skilled workers, merchants, and craftsmen attracted by Britain’s booming economy. • Religious refugees, particularly Protestants escaping religious persecution in some German states. • Political refugees fleeing revolutions and unrest, such as after the failed 1848 revolutions in German territories.

Answer 11

Generally experienced less hostility than some other migrant groups due to cultural similarities and Protestant faith. • Established strong social and religious networks, including churches and clubs to preserve German culture. • Lived in both working-class neighborhoods and middle-class areas, reflecting diverse economic status. The German community in Whitechapel was well-established by the 19th century, with German churches and schools.

Answer 12

Contributed to Britain’s industrial growth and urban development through skilled labour and entrepreneurship. • Influenced British cultural life — German music, beer, and festivals became part of British society. • Helped strengthen trade links between Britain and continental Europe. • Some German migrants and their descendants became prominent businessmen and professionals.

Answer 13

Italians migrated due to economic hardship and political unrest in Italy, especially in the southern regions. • The unification of Italy (Risorgimento) in the mid-19th century caused social upheaval, prompting many to seek work abroad. • Britain’s growing industrial economy and expanding cities offered job opportunities, particularly in urban areas.

Answer 14

Faced discrimination and prejudice, often stereotyped as criminals or troublemakers by locals. • Lived in overcrowded, poor housing conditions, sometimes cramped in shared accommodations. • Maintained strong family and community networks, including cultural and religious organisations. • Italian migrants built social clubs and mutual aid societies to help each other with employment, housing, and healthcare.

Answer 15

Introduced new foods and culinary traditions; early Italian ice cream and cafés became popular. • Contributed labour to Britain’s industrial growth, especially in ports and urban construction. • Helped to shape multicultural urban life in cities like London. • Italian communities played a role in cultural diversity and economic vitality in British cities. Contributed labour to Britain’s industrial growth, especially in ports and urban construction. • Helped to shape multicultural urban life in cities like London. • Italian communities played a role in cultural diversity and economic vitality in British cities.

Answer 16

Many were brought involuntarily through the transatlantic slave trade until its abolition in 1807 (slavery was abolished in British colonies in 1833). • After abolition, some Black people came voluntarily seeking work, freedom, and better lives. • Some were former slaves, sailors, soldiers, or freed men from British colonies such as the Caribbean and Africa. • Britain’s expanding empire and naval presence drew Black sailors and workers to port cities.

Answer 17

Many worked as sailors, dock workers, servants, and labourers. • Some were employed as domestic servants or in service roles in wealthy households. • Black sailors were a notable presence in the Royal Navy. • Some worked in street trades and small businesses. Faced racism, discrimination, and social exclusion in British society. • Often stereotyped and treated unfairly in employment and housing. • Despite hardships, Black communities developed strong social ties and support networks. • Notable individuals challenged racial barriers, contributing to early Black British identity.

Answer 18

Black migrants influenced Britain’s cultural diversity, especially in port cities. • Their presence helped Britain’s naval and maritime power through skilled labour. • Contributed to early conversations about race, identity, and rights in Britain. • Some Black Britons became abolitionists and activists in the fight against slavery and racism. The presence of Black sailors in the Royal Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries. • Individuals such as Olaudah Equiano, a former slave who became an abolitionist and wrote a famous autobiography. • The development of Black communities in London’s East End and Liverpool. • Black participation in the abolitionist movement, influencing laws like the Slave Trade Act 1807 and Slavery Abolition Act 1833.

Answer 19

Early migration was tied to the British Empire’s expansion in India (the British Raj from 1858). • Many South Asians came as seamen (lascars) employed on British merchant and naval ships. • Some came as students, servants, or workers, attracted by opportunities in Britain’s port cities. • Economic hardship and social changes in India pushed some to seek work abroad.

Answer 20

Chinese migration was linked to Britain’s growing trade with China, especially after the Opium Wars (1839-42 and 1856-60) opened Chinese ports. • Many Chinese came as seamen (cantonese sailors) working on British ships. • Some settled in port cities seeking work in laundries, restaurants, and markets. • Push factors included poverty and political instability in southern

Answer 21

Both groups faced racial discrimination and social exclusion. • Often lived in poor housing near docks, in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. • Maintained strong community networks, preserving cultural and religious practices. • Encountered hostility but gradually established roots, especially in port cities Both groups mainly settled in port cities like London (East End), Liverpool, and Cardiff. • South Asians were concentrated near shipping docks and areas where maritime work was available. • Chinese migrants often formed the early cores of what would become Chinatowns in cities like Liverpool and London.

Answer 22

Contributed essential labour to Britain’s maritime and port industries. • Helped develop early cultural diversity in port cities, laying foundations for later migrant communities. • Introduced cultural influences through food, festivals, and religion. • Played a role in the growth of British global trade through their maritime work.

Answer 23

caribbean migrants eastern european black south asians refugees/asylum seekers

Answer 24

Post-WWII labour shortages: After WWII, Britain faced huge labour shortages in industries like transport, healthcare, and public services. • The British government actively encouraged migration from the Caribbean, part of the Windrush generation starting in 1948, (the british nationality act) to rebuild the economy. • Many migrants sought better economic opportunities, education, and improved living standards than were available in the Caribbean. • Some were motivated by strong ties to Britain due to colonial connections (Caribbean countries were British colonies).

Answer 25

Caribbean migrants often faced open racism in everyday life: verbal abuse, exclusion, and sometimes violence. • In housing, many white landlords refused to rent to Black tenants, forcing migrants into overcrowded, poor-quality accommodations in inner-city areas like Notting Hill and Brixton. • In employment, despite their skills and willingness to work, Caribbean migrants were often limited to low-paying, manual jobs, and faced discrimination in hiring and promotion. • They were sometimes scapegoated for social issues by the media and politicians, increasing racial tensions.

Answer 26

Helped rebuild Britain’s economy after WWII by filling crucial labour gaps. • Contributed to the creation of multicultural urban Britain, influencing music (reggae, ska), food, language, and politics. • Early Caribbean migrants were pioneers in the civil rights movement in the UK, campaigning against discrimination and for racial equality. • Their migration marked a turning point in British attitudes towards race and immigration policies. The Race Relations Acts (1965, 1968, 1976) were influenced by pressure from these communities and activists.

Answer 27

Colonial ties: India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were part of the British Empire, so many South Asians had legal and cultural connections to Britain. • Economic opportunities: Post-WWII Britain needed workers to rebuild its economy, especially in industries like textiles, transport, and public services. • Political unrest: Partition of India (1947) led to violence and displacement, pushing many to seek safety and stability abroad. • Education: Many South Asians came to Britain for higher education and stayed for work opportunities.

Answer 28

Faced racial discrimination and segregation, including racist violence and housing discrimination. • Many lived in overcrowded, substandard housing due to economic hardship and discrimination. • Cultural challenges: Balancing traditional values with British society, facing generational tensions between parents and children. • South Asians were often targets of racist attacks, e.g., Sikh and Hindu communities targeted during the 1970s and 1980s. • Political tensions sometimes spilled over, such as during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots The Bradford Race Riots (2001) highlighted ongoing racial tensions but also resilience and community activism.

Answer 29

South Asian communities enriched British culture with food (curry), music (Bhangra), festivals (Diwali, Eid), and religious institutions (temples, mosques, gurdwaras). • Second and third-generation South Asians have excelled in education, politics, and professional careers (e.g., Rishi Sunak, first British Asian Prime Minister). • Formation of organisations like the Indian Workers’ Association which campaigned for workers’ rights and racial equality.

Answer 30

• In Uganda, dictator Idi Amin expelled around 60,000 Asians in 1972, giving them 90 days to leave, blaming them for economic problems. • In Kenya, “Africanisation” policies limited job opportunities for Asians, pushing many to leave. • Many held British passports (granted under the British Nationality Act 1948), which allowed them to legally settle in the UK. • Britain was viewed as a safe haven where they could rebuild their lives without persecution.

Answer 31

Faced racism and hostility upon arrival. The press and some politicians portrayed them as a burden. • Housing and jobs were hard to find, especially outside London. Many settled in Leicester, Wembley, and Birmingham. • Over time, they built successful businesses, contributed to the professional workforce, and became a model of upward mobility among migrant groups. The Leicester City Council in the 1970s even placed ads in Uganda discouraging migrants from settling there — but ironically, Leicester now has one of the largest and most successful British Asian communities in the UK.

Answer 32

Helped shape Britain’s multicultural identity: food, religious diversity (Hindu, Sikh, Muslim temples), and festivals. • Contributed to British entrepreneurship — from corner shops to large companies. • Played a role in professional sectors: medicine, law, finance, and academia.

Answer 33

• Colonial links: Many African countries were British colonies or protectorates (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya), making migration easier through imperial connections. • Economic opportunities: Post-WWII Britain’s labour shortages attracted migrants for work in industries and services. • Education and professional training: Many Africans came to study in British universities or train in professions like medicine and engineering. • Political unrest and decolonisation: Wars of independence, political instability, and persecution pushed many Africans to seek safety in Britain, especially from the 1950s onwards.

Answer 34

Faced racial discrimination and prejudice, with barriers to housing, employment, and social services. • Experienced racist violence in some areas, especially in the 1950s-1980s. • Struggled with cultural adjustment, balancing African traditions with British life. • Often faced economic hardship, with many working in low-paid jobs despite qualifications. • Developed strong community networks and support organisations to combat isolation and discrimination. African migrants’ role in the Brixton riots (1981) which highlighted racial tensions but also pushed for political change.

Answer 35

• Introduced and promoted African culture through music (Afrobeat), food, festivals, and religious practices. • African migrants contributed to Britain’s multiculturalism, challenging racial prejudices and enriching urban life. • Played an important role in civil rights activism, linking with Caribbean and other minority groups to campaign for racial equality and social justice. The formation of organisations like the West African Students’ Union (WASU), which campaigned for African independence and migrant rights. • Notable African Britons include Sir Steve McQueen (filmmaker), Olaudah Equiano (historical figure), and Baroness Scotland (politician).

migration Flashcards

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