Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
C1900–present: Migration in modern Britain - 1 The context for migration:…
Full specification wording
Option 13: c1900–present: Migration in modern Britain - 1 The context for migration: The changing context of British society: the World Wars; the end of the British Empire, decolonisation and the development of the Commonwealth; EU membership; legislation on immigration and nationality, including the Aliens Act (1905) and British Nationality Acts.
Twentieth-century shifts in British society profoundly influenced migration.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Twentieth-century shifts in British society profoundly influenced migration. The World Wars created severe labour shortages, prompting the recruitment of colonial workers. Following 1945, the end of the British Empire and decolonisation led to the development of the Commonwealth, encouraging migration. Later, EU membership facilitated the free movement of European workers. In response, the government introduced legislation on immigration and nationality. The Aliens Act (1905) was the first modern attempt to restrict immigration. Later, the British Nationality Acts, notably in 1948, initially affirmed the right of Commonwealth citizens to settle in Britain, before subsequent acts progressively restricted these rights.
What earns the marks
- Explain how the World Wars necessitated migrant labour to fill domestic shortages.
- Describe the transition from the British Empire to the Commonwealth and its impact on migration patterns.
- Analyse how EU membership allowed for the free movement of labour into and out of Britain.
- Evaluate the significance of the Aliens Act (1905) as a turning point in British immigration control.
- Trace the changing definitions of citizenship through the various British Nationality Acts.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the 1948 British Nationality Act with later restrictive acts.
Put it right: The 1948 Act actually confirmed the right of Commonwealth citizens to enter and settle in the UK.
Assuming EU membership only affected migration in the 21st century.
Put it right: Free movement began impacting migration patterns shortly after Britain joined the EEC in 1973.
Believing the Aliens Act (1905) banned all immigration.
Put it right: It specifically targeted 'undesirable' immigrants, primarily impoverished Eastern European Jews, rather than imposing a blanket ban.
Exam tips
- Link specific legislation to the historical context that prompted it, such as post-war labour shortages or economic anxieties.
- Use the Aliens Act (1905) as a key example of early government intervention in immigration.
- When discussing decolonisation, mention how the creation of the Commonwealth maintained ties that facilitated migration.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 13: c1900–present: Migration in modern Britain - 1 The context for migration: The changing context of British society: the World Wars; the end of the British Empire, decolonisation and the development of the Commonwealth; EU membership; legislation on immigration and nationality, including the Aliens Act (1905) and British Nationality Acts. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following was a primary focus of the Aliens Act passed by the British Parliament in 1905?
Listen
Twentieth-century shifts in British society profoundly influenced migration. The World Wars created severe labour shortages, prompting the recruitment of colonial workers. Following 1945, the end of the British Empire and decolonisation led to the development of the Commonwealth, encouraging migration. Later, EU membership facilitated the free movement of European workers. In response, the government introduced legislation on immigration and nationality. The Aliens Act (1905) was the first modern attempt to restrict immigration. Later, the British Nationality Acts, notably in 1948, initially affirmed the right of Commonwealth citizens to settle in Britain, before subsequent acts progressively restricted these rights. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain how the World Wars necessitated migrant labour to fill domestic shortages. Describe the transition from the British Empire to the Commonwealth and its impact on migration patterns. Analyse how EU membership allowed for the free movement of labour into and out of Britain. Evaluate the significance of the Aliens Act (1905) as a turning point in British immigration control. Exam tip: Link specific legislation to the historical context that prompted it, such as post-war labour shortages or economic anxieties.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Aliens Act was the first modern attempt to restrict immigration
- 2. Britain joined the EEC, allowing free movement of labour
- 3. British Nationality Act affirmed the right of Commonwealth citizens to settle
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Commonwealth
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
EU membership
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Aliens Act (1905)
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Commonwealth
- Developed following the end of the British Empire and decolonisation, it encouraged migration.
- EU membership
- This facilitated the free movement of European workers into and out of Britain.
- Aliens Act (1905)
- The first modern attempt to restrict immigration, introduced as legislation on immigration and nationality.
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Test your understanding of Option 13: c1900–present: Migration in modern Britain - 1 The context for migration: The changing context of British society: the World Wars; the end of the British Empire, decolonisation and the development of the Commonwealth; EU membership; legislation on immigration and nationality, including the Aliens Act (1905) and British Nationality Acts.
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