How far do you agree with the statement: ‘Between 1500 and 2010, the British Empire was the most important reason for migration to Britain.’
Level
GCSE
Year Examined
2021
Topic
British History
👑Complete Model Essay
How far do you agree with the statement: ‘Between 1500 and 2010, the British Empire was the most important reason for migration to Britain.’
Introduction
Migration, the movement of people from one place to another with the intention of settling, has been a constant feature of human history. The British Empire, spanning centuries and continents, undoubtedly played a role in shaping migration patterns to Britain. However, to claim it was the "most important reason" between 1500 and 2010 is a simplification of a complex issue. While the Empire's impact on migration, particularly during specific periods, is undeniable, other factors such as economic opportunities and persecution were equally, if not more, significant. This essay will argue that the statement is only partially true, acknowledging the role of the British Empire while highlighting the importance of other historical circumstances.
Point 1: The British Empire as a Driver of Migration
Early Modern Period: The Transatlantic Slave Trade stands out as a horrific example of forced migration directly tied to the British Empire. From the 16th century onwards, millions of enslaved Africans were transported to the Americas, with a small number ending up in Britain itself. While their presence was less visible compared to British colonies, Black servants in wealthy households served as a reminder of the Empire's role in shaping migration. The experiences of these individuals, brought to Britain against their will, highlight the direct link between the Empire and migration during this period.
Modern Period: The British merchant navy, a cornerstone of the Empire's power, relied heavily on lascars - sailors recruited from various parts of the Empire, particularly India, Malaya, and Hong Kong. While their initial intention was not permanent settlement, cases of "accidental migration" arose when lascars found themselves stranded in British ports due to illness, shipwreck, or changes in employment. These individuals, often facing discrimination and hardship, represent another facet of Empire-driven migration, albeit unintentional.
Point 2: Migration Unrelated to the British Empire
Religious Persecution and Economic Opportunities: The arrival of Jewish communities in the 1650s demonstrates that migration to Britain predates and exists independently of the Empire's influence. Facing persecution in Europe, Jewish communities were officially invited to England by Oliver Cromwell, who recognized their potential economic contributions. This event underscores how religious persecution, coupled with the promise of economic prosperity, served as powerful pull factors for migration, entirely separate from British imperial expansion.
Other Examples: Throughout the 19th century, Ireland experienced significant emigration to Britain, driven by factors like the devastating potato famine and lack of economic opportunities. Similarly, the 20th century witnessed waves of European migration to Britain, motivated by war and economic disparities on the continent. These examples demonstrate that factors like famine, conflict, and economic hardship, independent of the British Empire, have consistently driven migration patterns throughout history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the British Empire undoubtedly played a role in shaping migration patterns to Britain, it was by no means the sole or even "most important reason" between 1500 and 2010. The Empire's impact was particularly evident in cases of forced migration, like the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and accidental migration, as seen with lascars stranded in British ports. However, other historical circumstances, such as religious persecution, famine, war, and the pursuit of economic opportunities, were equally, if not more, influential in driving migration to Britain. Therefore, the statement requires nuance, acknowledging the Empire's role while recognizing the complex interplay of various factors that have shaped migration to Britain across centuries.
Note: History Study Pack Required
Score Big with Perfectly Structured History Essays!
Prepare effortlessly for your A/AS/O-Level exams with our comprehensive...
History Study Pack.
✅ 1200+ Model Essays: Master your essay writing with expertly crafted answers to past paper questions.
✅ Exam Boards Covered: Tailored materials for AQA, Cambridge, and OCR exams.
🍃 Free Essay Plan
Introduction
Briefly define migration and the British Empire. State your line of argument. For example, you could argue that while the British Empire was a significant factor in migration to Britain, especially during certain periods, other factors like economic opportunities and persecution were equally important, making the statement partially true.
Point 1: The British Empire as a Driver of Migration
Early Modern Period:
⭐Focus on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact on migration.
⭐Mention the experiences of enslaved Africans brought to Britain.
⭐Provide specific examples, like the presence of Black servants in wealthy households.
Modern Period:
⭐Discuss the role of lascars in the British merchant navy.
⭐Explain their origins in various parts of the British Empire (India, Malaya, Hong Kong).
⭐Highlight the cases of "accidental migration" when lascars were left stranded in British ports.
Point 2: Migration Unrelated to the British Empire
Religious Persecution and Economic Opportunities:
⭐Focus on the arrival of Jewish communities in the 1650s following Cromwell's invitation.
⭐Explain the factors driving their migration - persecution in Europe and economic prospects in England.
⭐Emphasize that their migration was independent of British imperial expansion.
Other Examples (consider including one or two):
⭐Irish immigration in the 19th century, driven by factors like the Irish Potato Famine and economic hardship.
⭐European migration in the 20th century, influenced by factors like war and economic disparities.
Conclusion
Summarize your main points. Reaffirm your stance on the statement. For example, you can conclude that while the British Empire undoubtedly influenced migration patterns to Britain, it was by no means the sole factor, and other historical circumstances played equally important roles.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
On one hand the British Empire was the most important reason for migration during the Early Modern and Modern periods.
As Britain gained control of islands in the Caribbean like Barbados it became involved in the African slave trade, and Black Africans came to Britain as migrants with their masters, working as servants in their houses. Without Britain’s control over these Caribbean islands and involvement in the slave trade these people would not have come to Britain, so the Empire was the driving force behind their migration.
In the Modern period, lascars were also migrants driven by Britain’s Empire. They were employed as sailors because they were cheap to hire, and came from ports across the Empire in places like India, Malaya and, from the late nineteenth century, Hong Kong. Sometimes on their arrival in British ports they were fired, and had to make their way in Britain as accidental migrants. These men came from Britain’s Empire, were employed to help trade with Britain and its overseas lands, and so the Empire was the driving force behind their reasons for arriving in Britain.
On the other hand, migrants were not all connected to the Empire and there have been other factors behind their reasons to come to Britain.
In the 1650s Oliver Cromwell agreed to allow Jews across Europe to settle in England, partly because they were being persecuted and Cromwell believed they would be useful allies, and partly because he hoped Jewish merchants and bankers would help the economy grow. The Jews were not migrating from land controlled by Britain and came for political and economic reasons, not because of the British Empire.