RACE RELATIONS
Period Detail & Analysis
The Affluent Society ● Commonwealth ideal balanced with the fear of absorbing too many immigrants.
(1951-64) o 1948, 250000 arrived from West Indies & Commonwealth (Windrush)
● By 1958 210,000 Commonwealth immigrants settled.
o 75% male
● Public attitude mixed
o Feeling of tolerance/outright racism & resentment.
● Outward immigration 1.92m by 1962
o Inward only 1.25m
● Authorities thought immigration was economically desirable (low wage job gaps)
o ‘tensions to ease over time’
● Perceptions altered by racial tension
o Notting Hill riots 1958
o Oswald Mosley, fascist & platform of repatriation.
● Racial violence brought national attention to controversial issue.
o 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act
▪ Control immigration reluctant.
▪ Labour opposed but didn’t reverse.
● Movement towards a multicultural society.
Rest on Next Page
Period Detail & Analysis
The Affluent Society ● Commonwealth ideal balanced with the fear of absorbing too many immigrants.
(1951-64) o 1948, 250000 arrived from West Indies & Commonwealth (Windrush)
● By 1958 210,000 Commonwealth immigrants settled.
o 75% male
● Public attitude mixed
o Feeling of tolerance/outright racism & resentment.
● Outward immigration 1.92m by 1962
o Inward only 1.25m
● Authorities thought immigration was economically desirable (low wage job gaps)
o ‘tensions to ease over time’
● Perceptions altered by racial tension
o Notting Hill riots 1958
o Oswald Mosley, fascist & platform of repatriation.
● Racial violence brought national attention to controversial issue.
o 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act
▪ Control immigration reluctant.
▪ Labour opposed but didn’t reverse.
● Movement towards a multicultural society.
Rest on Next Page
