Question

Difficulty: MediumPost-War Migration and the Windrush Generation

To address the severe labour shortages faced by the United Kingdom during the period of post-war reconstruction, the government actively encouraged migration from Commonwealth nations such as the West Indies, India, and Pakistan. Which year is historically significant for the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, bringing passengers from the West Indies to help with this rebuilding effort?

  1. 1948Answer
  2. B
    1945
  3. C
    1951
  4. D
    1962

Answer

The SS Empire Windrush arrived in the United Kingdom in 1948.
The SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in 1948. It carried passengers from the West Indies who had been encouraged to come to the UK to live and work, helping to address the labour shortages that followed the Second World War.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of post-war labour shortages in the UK.
The UK needed workers to help rebuild the economy after the Second World War.
The government invited citizens from the Commonwealth to fill these vacant roles.
2
Locate the specific event of the SS Empire Windrush arrival within this context.
The ship arrived at Tilbury Docks with 492 passengers from the West Indies.
This event is a key part of the 'Life in the UK' history syllabus.
3
Recall the exact year mentioned in the official handbook for this event.
The year is 1948.
This date is required for mastery of the post-war migration topic.

Key Concept

The arrival of the Windrush generation in 1948
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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