Britain, 1948-1970 | History for Year 6 PDF Download

Britain after the Second World War

Housing Damage and Shortages

World War II left British cities heavily damaged due to German bombings:

• Approximately 220,000 homes were destroyed.
• Around 3.5 million homes were damaged.
• In London, about 1.5 million people were left homeless.

Post-war, people lived in:

• Overcrowded residences.
• Temporary shelters or dilapidated buildings.

Shortages extended beyond housing to essentials like food, compounding the challenges.

The Labour Government

Following the war, the Labour Party was elected to rebuild Britain, introducing major reforms:

• NHS (1948): Provided free healthcare for all at the point of access.
• Welfare State: Offered benefits and pensions to support those in need.
• Education Improvements: Raised the school leaving age.
• Nationalization: Key industries like coal, steel, and railways were nationalized to secure jobs.

These measures aimed to promote fairness and aid national recovery.

Labour Shortages

By 1945-1946, Britain faced a shortfall of 1.38 million workers due to:

• War-related deaths of soldiers and civilians.
• Soldiers retiring after demobilization.
• Emigration to countries like Canada and the United States.
• Restrictions on married women working.

This created significant gaps in industries such as:

• Transport.
• Construction.
• Healthcare.

The British Empire

Post-war, the British Empire began to dissolve, with former colonies joining the Commonwealth of Nations, including India, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Pakistan. These nations maintained ties with Britain through:

• Shared language, education, and legal systems.
• Freer travel between member countries.

Why Did Commonwealth Migrants Come to Britain?

Migration was driven by push and pull factors:

Push Factors (1940s-1950s):

• Poverty and unemployment in countries like Jamaica and Trinidad.
• Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, destroying homes and livelihoods.
• Limited opportunities and poor living conditions.

Pull Factors (1940s-1950s):

• Britain’s need for workers in transport, construction, and healthcare.
• Higher wages in Britain compared to the Caribbean.
• The perception of Britain as the welcoming "mother country."
• The British Nationality Act (1948), granting Commonwealth citizens the right to live and work in Britain.

Poverty & Policing in London

Poverty:

• Many Londoners, including migrants, lived in poverty.
• Housing shortages forced people into overcrowded slums.
• Food rationing continued until 1954.
• The harsh winter of 1947 disrupted energy supplies, worsening shortages of food and power.

Crime:

• Poverty fueled crimes such as:
  • Theft from bombed-out buildings.
  • Black-market trading of rationed goods.

Policing:

• Black and Asian migrants often faced hostile and unfair treatment from police.
• Police frequently failed to protect migrants from racist attacks.
• The lack of Black or Asian officers contributed to discriminatory policing practices.

The Swinging Sixties

By the 1950s, conditions began to improve:

• Rationing ended.
• Labor shortages in key industries decreased.

The 1960s, dubbed the "Swinging Sixties," were marked by vibrant fashion, music, and cultural developments, particularly for young people in London. However, not everyone benefited:

• Many migrants remained trapped in low-paying jobs and substandard housing.
• Regions like the North East faced ongoing poverty due to industrial decline and insufficient government investment.

What was post-war Britain like?- Summary

• After World War II, Britain grappled with significant challenges, including widespread bomb damage, housing shortages, and a severe lack of workers. The Labour government implemented transformative policies to enhance living standards, such as establishing the National Health Service (NHS) and the welfare state. 
• To address labor shortages in sectors like transport, healthcare, and construction, the government encouraged migration from Commonwealth countries. Many individuals from the Caribbean, India, and Africa relocated to Britain, seeking better opportunities and a new life in the "mother country."
• However, migrants often faced harsh realities. Despite the vibrant "Swinging Sixties," poverty and discrimination persisted. In London, Caribbean communities dealt with substandard housing and biased policing, prompting some to create cultural festivals and community spaces to foster belonging. Migrants frequently had to struggle for equality and respect in their new environment.