Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
C1900–present: Migration in modern Britain - 2 The experience and impact…
Full specification wording
Option 13: c1900–present: Migration in modern Britain - 2 The experience and impact of migrants: The impact of migrants in Britain, including culture, politics, the urban environment, public services and the economy.
Migrants have profoundly shaped modern Britain.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Migrants have profoundly shaped modern Britain. Culturally, they introduced new cuisines, music, and festivals like the Notting Hill Carnival. In politics, migrant communities increasingly participated as voters and representatives. The urban environment was transformed as migrants settled in specific city districts, establishing vibrant communities, places of worship, and specialist businesses. Public services, particularly the NHS and transport networks, became heavily reliant on migrant labour to function effectively during post-war shortages. Economically, migrants contributed significantly through taxation, entrepreneurship, and filling crucial skill gaps, although their arrival also sparked debates about job competition.
What earns the marks
- Identify specific cultural contributions made by migrants, such as food, music, and festivals.
- Explain how migrant communities have influenced British politics at both local and national levels.
- Describe the changes to the urban environment caused by migrant settlement patterns and businesses.
- Evaluate the reliance of British public services, such as the NHS, on migrant workers.
- Analyse the economic impact of migration, balancing contributions like entrepreneurship with concerns over job competition.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Focusing solely on the cultural impact (like food) while neglecting the significant economic and political contributions of migrants.
Assuming migrants only took jobs, rather than recognising their role in creating businesses and paying taxes that supported the economy.
Overlooking the vital role migrants played in sustaining public services like the NHS and public transport immediately after the Second World War.
Exam tips
- Use the NHS as a prime example of a public service that depended heavily on migrant labour from its inception.
- When discussing the urban environment, mention the creation of distinct cultural hubs or places of worship in major cities.
- Ensure you provide a balanced view of the economic impact, acknowledging both the filling of skill gaps and the public debates it caused.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 13: c1900–present: Migration in modern Britain - 2 The experience and impact of migrants: The impact of migrants in Britain, including culture, politics, the urban environment, public services and the economy. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following is a significant way in which migrants have impacted public services in Britain since the Second World War?
Listen
Migrants have profoundly shaped modern Britain. Culturally, they introduced new cuisines, music, and festivals like the Notting Hill Carnival. In politics, migrant communities increasingly participated as voters and representatives. The urban environment was transformed as migrants settled in specific city districts, establishing vibrant communities, places of worship, and specialist businesses. Public services, particularly the NHS and transport networks, became heavily reliant on migrant labour to function effectively during post-war shortages. Economically, migrants contributed significantly through taxation, entrepreneurship, and filling crucial skill gaps, although their arrival also sparked debates about job competition. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify specific cultural contributions made by migrants, such as food, music, and festivals. Explain how migrant communities have influenced British politics at both local and national levels. Describe the changes to the urban environment caused by migrant settlement patterns and businesses. Evaluate the reliance of British public services, such as the NHS, on migrant workers. Exam tip: Use the NHS as a prime example of a public service that depended heavily on migrant labour from its inception.
See it
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Option 13: c1900–present: Migration in modern Britain - 2 The experience and impact of migrants: The impact of migrants in Britain, including culture, politics, the urban environment, public services and the economy.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge