The way immigrants were treated in Britain: 1900 to 1919 - Info sheet

Between 1900 and 1919, Britain experienced a complex relationship with immigration, marked by a mix of hospitality and hostility. The turn of the century saw growing tensions and an increase in anti-immigrant feelings, particularly directed at Jewish immigrants and foreign seamen, including those of Chinese descent. Politicians and the media often exacerbated these sentiments for their own benefit, while trade unions like the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union opposed the employment of foreign merchant sailors. The introduction of the Aliens Act in 1905 marked the beginning of a series of legislative measures aimed at curtailing immigration, reflecting a shift in the public's attitude towards immigrants, which was further influenced by acts of terrorism in London linked to groups opposing the Russian government.

World War One intensified nationalistic fervour and brought about violence against German and Austrian nationals living in Britain, particularly after the sinking of the Lusitania by a German submarine in 1915. German-owned businesses were targeted, and many German and Austrian nationals were interned. Despite the tightening of immigration laws and rising unemployment between the wars, the UK showed a welcoming side during the conflict. For instance, a quarter of a million Belgian refugees found a safe haven in the UK, and Indian soldiers injured in the war received care at Brighton's Grand Pavilion. These contrasting responses to different immigrant groups highlight the varied impact of immigration on Britain over the past century and underscore the complex factors contributing to the prejudice faced by many newcomers upon their arrival in the country.