British Society in Transition, 1918-79

Enabled existing Asian and Black UK residents to sponsor family migration, leading to a large increase in immigration from India and Pakistan.

Sought to limit new immigration from India, Pakistan, and the West Indies by introducing a 'grandfather clause' requiring a British-born relative.

Replaced employment vouchers with 12-month work permits, restricting the length of stay in Britain, effectively curbing immigration.

Britain implemented strict immigration controls, significantly reducing immigration from most majority countries in the Commonwealth, with a few exceptions.

An exception to tight immigration laws; 27,000 Ugandan Asians were allowed entry to Britain due to expulsion from Uganda by Idi Amin.

These acts banned racial hatred and discrimination in public places, aiming to reduce discrimination against non-white communities.

Despite the majority of the British public supporting immigration controls in the 1960s and 70s, the laws were enacted due to concerns about potentially negative public reactions, as evidenced by the rise of political parties.

A 12-month work permit replaced employment vouchers, controlling how long immigrants could remain in Britain.

Following World War II, Britain experienced a surge in immigration, driven by post-war economic needs and the 1948 British Nationality Act.

Approximately 85,000 displaced citizens from Eastern Europe, including many Italians, worked temporarily in Britain during the post-war economic recovery.

The 1948 British Nationality Act made all Commonwealth citizens British citizens, stimulating mass immigration from the Caribbean Islands.

The ship that carried 492 West Indian immigrants to Britain on June 22, 1948, marking a significant moment in post-war immigration.

Post-war unemployment in Britain, and demand for cheap labor led to government recruitment drives, targeting labor in Europe and the Caribbean.

This act granted British citizenship to all Commonwealth citizens, allowing Caribbean peoples to settle in the UK.

London Transport actively recruited workers in Caribbean territories for bus driving and conducting jobs.

Caribbean immigrants often settled together in UK regions, creating communities centered around specific islands.

Founded after the 1958 riots to promote racial harmony.

Public disorder exposing racial tensions and local council failings.

British public deeply impacted by TV news coverage of police, fires, and segregation.

Legislation restricting immigration based on proving employment in Britain.

Massive increase in New Commonwealth immigration due to fear of future restrictions.

Legislation initially designed to reduce immigration ironically led to more.

Civil rights organization in 1958 organizing rent strikes during Notting Hill riots.

Established in 1958 focusing on expertise in race relations, helping improve racial understanding.

This act limited the power of the House of Lords, allowing them only to delay legislation rather than block it completely.

Politically nominated individuals appointed to the House of Lords for life, replacing hereditary peers since 1958.

The rise of new upper classes, like those with business and professional backgrounds, began to challenge the traditional dominance of aristocratic elites in politics before 1951.

Unquestioning respect for the authority of established figures, especially those in positions of power, which started to decline in the 1960s and 1970s.

The ability to move up or down in social class, which increased after World War II due to expanding middle-class jobs and improved education opportunities.

An organization established in 1895 to preserve and protect historic houses and landscapes for the benefit of the nation.

This scheme allowed families to live in their stately homes rent-free if they transferred ownership to the National Trust and opened the house to the public for at least 60 days a year.

Television series and the popularity of visiting historic houses helped preserve the image and influence of the landed elite, despite their loss of political power.

A small percentage of the working class fought in WW1 due to 'reserved occupations' like coal mining, deemed essential to the war effort. Many were also rejected for military service due to ill health or poor physique.

Rationing during WW1 contributed to improved working-class health, leading to increased life expectancy for both men and women between 1911 and 1921.

Despite wartime gains, many working-class families still lived in poor housing with inadequate diets. Slum clearances didn't begin until the 1950s, and exploitative landlords took advantage of tenants.

Many British cities implemented a housing programme centered on constructing apartment blocks. While some families enjoyed modern conveniences, others felt isolated due to lack of local amenities or community interaction.

The 1960s marked a shift towards more liberal values in British society, with changes in legal, medical, and social aspects related to sexuality.

Arthur Marwick argued that the 1960s marked the end of Victorian values and the rise of a more permissive society.

Joanna Burke challenged the view that liberal values were widely adopted in the 1960s, arguing that a significant portion of the population remained reserved and cautious.

Liberal values related to sex and sexuality didn't emerge suddenly in the 1960s; they had a gradual evolution in previous decades.

Between 1951 and 1997, the number of ethnic minorities in the UK significantly increased, rising from 80,000 to 4 million, representing a considerable demographic shift.

The British government's initial response to rising immigration focused on promoting informal racial integration through measures like dispersing immigrants and offering training programs.

Effective integration faced obstacles such as lack of expertise in local councils, negative public perception influenced by colonial unrest and media portrayals of black communities.

In the 1950s, researchers began exploring the internal diversity within racial minority groups, debunking the assumption of a unified black community.

While 'friendship councils' were established to facilitate interaction between black and white communities, they mainly served as discussion forums rather than taking practical action to promote integration.

Negative media coverage of violence in Africa during the Mau Mau uprising influenced public opinion, fostering fear and prejudice towards black immigrants.

Kenneth Little's research revealed the diversity within racial minority groups, suggesting the improbability of a coordinated black political movement in Britain.

Despite attempts to promote integration, prejudice and discrimination remained prevalent, shaping the experiences of black immigrants in British society.

A body set up to address complaints of racial discrimination, but faced limitations and low success rate due to restricted scope and limited enforcement powers.

Legislation strengthened the fight against racial discrimination, established the Commission for Racial Equality, and aimed to create a fairer society for all.

A controversial speech by a Conservative MP warning of a violent future for a multiracial Britain, triggering widespread debate and condemnation.

A far-right political party that opposed immigration and multiculturalism, using demonstrations and marches to spread its message. Although influential initially, it failed to gain significant political power by the end of the 1970s.

Despite widespread racism in British society in the 1970s, public support for openly racist groups and politicians remained limited, as demonstrated by the limited electoral success of these groups.

A far-right leader who campaigned against immigration in the 1959 General Election, but gained only 8% of the constituency vote, highlighting limited public support for extremist views.

A Conservative candidate using a racist slogan 'if you want a nigger for a neighbor, vote Labour' to win an election, highlighting the presence of deeply rooted racism in British politics.

While media often portrayed racial minorities in negative or patronizing ways, it didn't necessarily translate into widespread public support for openly racist groups or politicians.

The extent to which recently arrived racial minorities integrated into British society in the 1970's was uncertain. While some aspects, like cuisine, showed signs of merging, other areas like housing and interracial marriage indicated limited integration.

By the late 1970s, racial minorities had a noticeable influence on British culture, particularly in sports and popular entertainment, showcasing diversity in these areas.

In 1968, British politician Enoch Powell delivered a controversial speech warning of potential social unrest due to increased non-white immigration, sparking backlash and debate about race and immigration policy.

While racial prejudice was officially rejected by the government, there was still a significant lack of integration in housing. Certain areas became predominantly home to immigrant communities, leading to segregation.

In the 1970s, interracial marriage was relatively uncommon, though slightly more prevalent among Black Caribbean men and Chinese women compared to other minority groups. This reflects societal patterns and prejudices.

The influx of immigrants brought diverse culinary tastes to Britain, resulting in the increased popularity of South Asian, Italian, and Chinese food in restaurants and supermarkets by the end of the 1970s.

Immigrants introduced a range of new religions to Britain, including Hinduism and Islam, which established their own temples and mosques, serving their communities, similar to how synagogues catered to Jewish immigrants earlier in the century.

Immigrant groups actively sought to make Britain their permanent home and actively exercised their full rights of citizenship, demonstrating their commitment to integration despite challenges.

Women's presence in Parliament, starting from the early 20th century, played a role in influencing legislation affecting women's rights, but faced challenges in achieving equal pay.

The first woman to take her seat in Parliament, representing the Conservatives until 1945. Her wealth, due to her husband, sparked controversy.

A suffragist who argued for Family Allowance payments to be made to mothers, rather than fathers, which ultimately happened in 1945.

An inspirational MP who organized the 1936 Jarrow March to highlight unemployment and introduced the 1938 Hire Purchase Act.

One of the first women to be a doctor, she became a Labour MP and helped build the argument for a National Health Service.

A leading figure in Labour governments during the 1960s and 1970s.

Women's presence in Parliament helped change perspectives on issues affecting women, contributing to the development of social legislation.

Despite their presence in Parliament, women were unable to secure legislation for equal pay, reflecting the continued challenges women faced in achieving equal rights.