Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Race and immigration: immigration policies and attitudes towards ethnic…
Full specification wording
Society in transition, 1918–79: Race and immigration: immigration policies and attitudes towards ethnic minorities, 1918–39; the impact of the Second World War and new Commonwealth immigration; racial controversy and the impact of government policies on race relations and immigration, 1958–79.
This topic examines how migration and race shaped British society.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This topic examines how migration and race shaped British society. From 1918–39, immigration policies restricted entry, notably the 1919 Aliens Act and 1925 Special Restriction (Coloured Alien Seamen) Order, while attitudes often excluded ethnic minorities. The Second World War brought labour shortages and new Commonwealth immigration. Post-war governments introduced strict controls: the 1962 and 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Acts, and the Immigration Act 1971. Racial controversy peaked with the 1958 Notting Hill riots and Powell's 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech. Government policies such as the 1965 and 1968 Race Relations Acts sought to improve race relations and outlaw discrimination, though enforcement was often limited.
What earns the marks
- Explains how 1918–39 immigration policies restricted entry and reflected hostile attitudes towards ethnic minorities, using the 1919 Aliens Act and 1925 Special Restriction Order.
- Assesses the impact of the Second World War and the subsequent arrival of new Commonwealth immigration.
- Analyses how racial controversy and public pressure led to restrictive immigration policies, specifically the 1962 and 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Acts and the Immigration Act 1971.
- Evaluates the significance of racial controversy, including the 1958 Notting Hill riots and Powell's 1968 speech, in shaping public attitudes and political debate.
- Examines the impact and limitations of government policies on race relations, such as the 1965 and 1968 Race Relations Acts, in addressing discrimination.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating the 1948 British Nationality Act as an immigration control.
Put it right: It granted citizenship to Commonwealth citizens, facilitating entry; controls came later.
Assuming the 1965 Race Relations Act outlawed all racial discrimination.
Put it right: It covered public places but excluded housing and employment, which were addressed in 1968.
Referring to the 1971 legislation as the Commonwealth Immigrants Act.
Put it right: Use the correct statutory title, the Immigration Act 1971.
Exam tips
- Use specific legislation and events to illustrate continuity and change in immigration policies and attitudes towards ethnic minorities.
- Link racial controversy directly to the impact of government policies, showing how restriction and integration measures evolved together.
Try the lesson
The start of the Society in transition, 1918–79: Race and immigration: immigration policies and attitudes towards ethnic minorities, 1918–39; the impact of the Second World War and new Commonwealth immigration; racial controversy and the impact of government policies on race relations and immigration, 1958–79. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which 1948 Act gave citizens of Commonwealth countries the right to settle in Britain?
Listen
This topic examines how migration and race shaped British society. From 1918–39, immigration policies restricted entry, notably the 1919 Aliens Act and 1925 Special Restriction (Coloured Alien Seamen) Order, while attitudes often excluded ethnic minorities. The Second World War brought labour shortages and new Commonwealth immigration. Post-war governments introduced strict controls: the 1962 and 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Acts, and the Immigration Act 1971. Racial controversy peaked with the 1958 Notting Hill riots and Powell's 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech. Government policies such as the 1965 and 1968 Race Relations Acts sought to improve race relations and outlaw discrimination, though enforcement was often limited. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how 1918–39 immigration policies restricted entry and reflected hostile attitudes towards ethnic minorities, using the 1919 Aliens Act and 1925 Special Restriction Order. Assesses the impact of the Second World War and the subsequent arrival of new Commonwealth immigration. Analyses how racial controversy and public pressure led to restrictive immigration policies, specifically the 1962 and 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Acts and the Immigration Act 1971. Evaluates the significance of racial controversy, including the 1958 Notting Hill riots and Powell's 1968 speech, in shaping public attitudes and political debate. A common slip: Treating the 1948 British Nationality Act as an immigration control. Instead, It granted citizenship to Commonwealth citizens, facilitating entry; controls came later. Exam tip: Use specific legislation and events to illustrate continuity and change in immigration policies and attitudes towards ethnic minorities.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Notting Hill riots marked a peak of racial controversy
- 2. Commonwealth Immigrants Act introduced strict controls
- 3. Race Relations Act sought to improve race relations
- 4. Special Restriction (Coloured Alien Seamen) Order restricted entry
- 5. Aliens Act restricted entry and reflected hostile attitudes
- 6. Powell delivered his 'Rivers of Blood' speech
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Public attitudes and racial controversy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Commonwealth migration and citizenship
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Government attempts at race relations
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Public attitudes and racial controversy
- Attitudes often excluded ethnic minorities, and racial controversy peaked with the 1958 Notting Hill riots and Powell's 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech.
- Commonwealth migration and citizenship
- The Second World War brought labour shortages and new Commonwealth immigration, and the 1948 British Nationality Act granted citizenship to Commonwealth citizens, facilitating entry.
- Government attempts at race relations
- Government policies such as the 1965 and 1968 Race Relations Acts sought to improve race relations and outlaw discrimination, though enforcement was often limited.
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