After World War 2, Britain went through a lot – from the ending of the British Empire, to the establishment of the welfare state and the coronation of a new queen. It also went through a lot of social change, such as the arrival of millions of immigrants from Jamaica and other countries.
Windrush
A large ship called Empire Windrush brought 1,200 immigrants to Britain from Jamaica. The ship arrived in London in 1948. But Empire Windrush wasn’t the only immigrant ship to arrive in Britain – there were many more ships that arrived in Britain over the coming years from various countries. The people that came to Britain on these ships are usually called the “Windrush generation”.
You can find out more about Windrush here.
The Welfare State
The welfare state was established in Britain at the end of World War 2. After the war ended, a general election was held between Winston Churchill and the Conservative Party against Clement Atlee and the Labour Party. The Labour Party, who promised significant social reforms, won the election with a landslide majority.
You can find out more about the welfare state here.
Swinging Sixties
The Swinging Sixties was a time where teenagers started to rebel against authority. Popular culture, music and fashion changed drastically in the 1960s. The Swinging Sixties was also known for starting a new social movement, called the hippie movement.
You can find out more about the Swinging Sixties here.
Elizabeth II’s coronation
Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was one of the biggest events of the 20th century. It took place on the 2nd June 1953 and was watched by people across the world.