Migration, Empires, and the People: c790 to the Present Day

Overview:
This section explores the history of migration and the creation of empires, examining the effects of both on Britain and the world. From the Viking invasions in the early medieval period to the age of exploration, colonialism, and modern migration, it looks at how different people have moved, settled, and interacted across time. Key themes include the impact of migration on society, economics, and culture, as well as the expansion of British and other empires and their long-term effects.

This page will help you understand the significant migrations, the building of empires, and the diverse peoples that have contributed to the development of Britain and the modern world.

1. Viking and Anglo-Saxon Migrations (c790–1066)

Key Themes:

• Viking Invasions and Settlement: The Viking raids that began around 790 AD and their eventual settlement in parts of Britain.

• Anglo-Saxon Migration: The settlement of Anglo-Saxons in Britain after the fall of Roman Britain.

• Cultural Exchange and Conflict: The interactions between the Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and Celts, leading to cultural assimilation and conflict.

Key Figures:

• Alfred the Great: The Anglo-Saxon king who resisted Viking invasions and helped shape the foundations of England.

• Viking Leaders: Key Viking figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and King Canute, who expanded Viking control and influence in Britain.

Key Events:

• The Viking Raids (c790): The first recorded Viking raid on Lindisfarne, which sparked a series of invasions.

• The Battle of Edington (878): Alfred the Great’s victory over the Vikings, marking a turning point in the Anglo-Saxon defense.

• The Norman Conquest (1066): The culmination of Viking influence, with the Normans bringing a new ruling class to Britain.

2. The Expansion of the British Empire (c1500–1800)

Key Themes:

• Colonialism and Exploration: The rise of European exploration and the creation of overseas empires, with Britain becoming one of the leading colonial powers.

• Slavery and the Triangular Trade: The role of Britain in the transatlantic slave trade and the exploitation of African peoples in the colonies.

• Economic Motivations: The role of trade, resources, and wealth in encouraging Britain’s imperial expansion.

Key Figures:

• Queen Elizabeth I: Her support of exploration and the defeat of the Spanish Armada paved the way for British naval dominance.

• Captain James Cook: Explorer who claimed new territories for Britain, including parts of Australia and the Pacific.

• Robert Clive: British officer and the architect of British power in India after the Battle of Plassey.

Key Events:

• The Age of Exploration (16th–18th centuries): British explorers chart new territories, establishing trading posts and colonies around the world.

• The Triangular Trade (17th–19th centuries): The transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas, which played a key role in British economic and imperial expansion.

• The Battle of Plassey (1757): A decisive victory for the British East India Company in India, marking the start of British dominance in the region.

3. The Rise of the British Empire and Migration Patterns (19th Century)

Key Themes:

• Victorian Imperialism: The height of the British Empire, which controlled vast territories across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

• The Impact of Migration on Britain: The movement of people from the colonies to Britain, both as migrants seeking work and as soldiers and workers in the Empire.

• Social and Cultural Effects of Empire: How the expansion of the British Empire influenced British society, politics, and culture, including the development of racial attitudes and social hierarchies.

Key Figures:

• Cecil Rhodes: British imperialist who played a central role in expanding British control over Southern Africa.

• Joseph Chamberlain: A British statesman who promoted imperialism and migration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Key Events:

• The Scramble for Africa (1881–1914): The rapid colonization of Africa by European powers, including Britain, leading to dramatic shifts in migration patterns.

• The Indian Rebellion of 1857: A major uprising against British rule in India, leading to the end of the British East India Company’s rule and direct British control over India.

• The Irish Famine (1845–1852): A major migration event where millions of Irish people migrated to Britain and America to escape starvation and poverty.

4. Migration and the Empire’s Impact (1900–Present)

Key Themes:

• Post-WWI Migration: The movement of people from the former colonies to Britain in search of work and better opportunities, particularly after WWII.

• Windrush Generation (1948): The arrival of Caribbean immigrants aboard the ship HMT Empire Windrush to help rebuild Britain after WWII.

• Decolonization and its Aftermath: The impact of the end of British colonial rule in the mid-20th century on migration, as former colonies gained independence and many citizens moved to Britain.

Key Figures:

• Notable Migrants: People like John Agard and Linton Kwesi Johnson, whose works shaped the cultural landscape of post-war Britain.

• Enoch Powell: A controversial British politician known for his opposition to immigration during the 1960s and his infamous "Rivers of Blood" speech.

Key Events:

• Windrush and the Post-War Immigration (1948–1970s): The arrival of Caribbean migrants to Britain, who helped rebuild the country’s economy in the aftermath of WWII.

• The Independence of India (1947): The division of India and Pakistan and the resulting migration of millions of people, with many Indian and Pakistani citizens eventually migrating to Britain.

• The Commonwealth Immigration Act (1962): A major shift in British immigration policy, restricting immigration from Commonwealth countries.

5. Migration to Modern Britain (Late 20th Century to Present)

Key Themes:

• EU Migration: The impact of European Union membership, with free movement of people within the EU, particularly following the expansion in 2004.

• Globalization and New Migration Patterns: The movement of people from various countries due to economic opportunities, conflicts, and environmental factors.

• The Impact of Migration on British Society: Social, economic, and cultural contributions of migrant communities, alongside challenges such as political debates over immigration and integration.

Key Figures:

• Migrant Leaders: Prominent figures such as Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, representing the diversity of modern Britain.

• Refugees and Activists: Figures involved in promoting refugees’ rights and highlighting the contributions of migrants, such as Doreen Lawrence, who campaigned for justice after the death of her son, Stephen Lawrence.

Key Events:

• EU Expansion (2004): The accession of several Eastern European countries to the EU, leading to an influx of migrants to the UK.

• Brexit Referendum (2016): The UK’s decision to leave the European Union, which has had profound effects on immigration patterns and policy.

• The Syrian Refugee Crisis (2011–Present): The ongoing migration of refugees from Syria and other conflict zones, with the UK accepting some refugees through resettlement programs.

6. Key Concepts in Migration, Empire, and Power

• Colonial Migration: How migration to the British colonies and from the colonies to Britain shaped the nation’s social fabric.

• Economic Migration: The movement of people for work opportunities, both within Britain (e.g., rural to urban migration) and internationally (e.g., Caribbean and Asian migrants post-WWII).

• Refugee and Asylum Seeking: The impact of global conflicts on migration patterns, with people fleeing persecution and war.

• Cultural Diversity: The changing cultural landscape of Britain, with growing multicultural communities and debates on integration.

7. Revision Resources

• Revision Notes: Concise summaries of key topics, events, and figures.

• Timelines: Interactive timelines of key events such as the Windrush, Indian independence, and Brexit.

• Flashcards: Key terms related to migration and empire, such as the Scramble for Africa, Commonwealth Immigration Acts, and Windrush Generation.

• Video Resources: Informative videos explaining the historical significance of British migration, empire-building, and cultural exchanges.

8. Exam Tips

• Essay Questions: Practice answering key questions like:

  • “How did British imperialism shape migration patterns to Britain?”

  • “What impact did the Windrush Generation have on British society?”

• Source Analysis: Techniques for analyzing sources that discuss migration, empire, and the people, such as immigration records, historical documents, and speeches from migration debates.

• Exam Strategy: Tips for approaching questions that ask you to compare and contrast different periods of migration and empire-building, ensuring you use relevant evidence and arguments.