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Year 10 - History

African migrants in the early British Empire

Migrants in Britain, c800–present

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about either migrants in Britain or medicine in Britain over a period of roughly 1000 years. They examine one of these themes, analysing the impact it had in Medieval, Early Modern, Industrial and Modern Britain, with a particular focus on change and continuity.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the reasons why the number of African people in England increased from 1500-1700, and describe the different experiences of African migrants in England.

Key Notes

  • England's role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade increased the number of African migrants in England.
  • Most African migrants in early modern England lived as 'unfree' servants.
  • Some historical records show African migrants being baptised and working in various jobs, usually in large port cities.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Transatlantic Slave Trade: the trade between Europe, West Africa and the Americas, where goods were exchanged for enslaved people who were sold onto plantations in European colonies
  • enslaved person: someone who is forced to work for no pay, and often considered the property of another person
  • inheritance: money or property given from one person to another after their death, usually given to their nearest relative
  • ambassador: someone sent to represent their nation in another country

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • All African migrants in the early modern period were 'unfree' servants.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

England's role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade increased the number of African migrants in England. Most African migrants in early modern England lived as 'unfree' servants.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Transatlantic Slave Trade'

the trade between Europe, West Africa and the Americas, where goods were exchanged for enslaved people who were sold onto plantations in European colonies.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: All African migrants in the early modern period were 'unfree' servants. Correction: While many African migrants were 'unfree' servants, there were also free men and women who worked in other jobs - for example, John Blanke and Mary Fillis.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 History guide library.