A number of race riots occurred in Britain between January and August 1919, with sporadic recurrences in 1920 and 1921.[1] They marked a significant moment when the presence of minority ethnic people living in the country, including long-time residents and war veterans, came to public attention.
The demobilization of troops after World War I had led to intense post-war job competition. The perception that foreigners were taking away jobs became a trigger for the rioting and attacks on black and minority ethnic communities, especially in British port cities.[2]
In the ports of South Shields,[3] Glasgow, London's East End, Salford, Hull, Liverpool, Cardiff, Barry and Newport there were race riots targeting ethnic minority populations.[1] Over the course of the riots there were five fatalities, as well as widespread vandalism of property.[1]
- ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference
jenkinsonwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ National Archives. "1919 race riots: How significant a factor was race in the riots of 1919?". Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ "BBC - Tyne Roots - Black History Month - The story behind Britain's first race riot". BBC. Retrieved 11 September 2023.