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Abstract

This dissertation examines the scale of concern that Jewish immigration into London's east end experienced in the late nineteenth century. In particular I shall focus on Parliamentary and societal reactions to this migration, examining the extent of this urban anxiety. I shall achieve this through analysing debates and the writing that was produced blaming Jewish immigrants for many topical concerns, labelling them with harmful stereotypes such as them being dirty. Furthermore I shall identify the main reason for the decline in the influence of this urban anxiety through highlighting the importance of the 1905 Aliens Act. I shall demonstrate its importance in not only acting as the first piece of anti-immigration legislation but also its impact on quashing much of the anti-immigration sentiment within British politics. Through the use of sources such as Parliamentary debates, news articles and the publications of social researchers I shall demonstrate the scale of this urban anxiety. Using such sources I demonstrate the stereotypes used by those and how such sources influenced the minds of the British citizen. As a result this dissertation shall argue that there is a much longer history of anti-alienism within Parliament which ultimately led to the creation of the 1905 Aliens Act, which upon its passing and the 1905 election effectively led to a demise in such sentiment. I shall also assert that the growing sensationalism within society effectively created a narrative regarding the Jewish immigrant being to blame for many of the problems London faced. Effectively influencing the minds of the British citizens and creating a common enemy in east London.

Course: History - BA (Hons) - C1087

Date Deposited: 2024-09-20

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14453.html