Explain one way in which attitudes in Britain towards migrants in the nineteenth century were similar to attitudes in Britain towards migrants in the period c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1

One way in which attitudes in Britain towards migrants in the nineteenth century were similar to attitudes in Britain towards migrants in the period c1900–present is through the perception of economic migrants.

In both periods, economic migrants were often viewed with suspicion and as potential competition for jobs. During the nineteenth century, the arrival of Irish migrants was frequently accompanied by hostility from local communities, who feared that these migrants would take jobs and lower wages. This fear was similarly echoed in the twentieth century, particularly with the arrival of migrants from the Caribbean and South Asia, who were also seen as threats to job security and local employment.

Moreover, societal reactions were influenced by prevailing economic conditions; during times of recession or high unemployment, negative sentiments towards migrants tended to escalate. For example, in the 19th century, during economic downturns, Irish migrants were often scapegoated for the economic hardships faced by the British working class. This pattern continued throughout the 20th century, where economic migrants were sometimes blamed for the struggles of local populations, highlighting a persistent cycle of fear and opposition related to job competition.