The chapter ‘Across the Universe: Racial Violence and the Post-War Crisis in Imperial Britain, 1911-25’ written by Neil Evans provides an insight into the race riots which occupied the British ports in the early twentieth century.
Throughout the article, Evans suggests the main causes of the riots which took place. Evans suggests port labour and the issue of unemployment can be viewed as a significant factor. Demobilised whites as well as blacks were looking for work on the docks in the British ports. However, the incline to resort to violence as a consequence of the war coupled with the racial hostility, which was prominent, it is not surprising violence arose in 1919. Furthermore, the issue of discontent with other ethnic groups was obvious. The ‘alien population’ is another prominent aspect of racism which is included within the article. The presence of such helps Evans demonstrate the harsh realities which were endured by many ethnic minorities in the twentieth century. Finally, the inter-racial sexual relations which occurred during the time, can be viewed as being a catalyst for the riots which transpired. The relationship between women and men of colour were considered as a ‘scandal’ with the Liverpool Echo demonstrating the intent to maintain a ‘pure race’.
Despite several reasons being put forward, it is evident the underlying issue of each of the riots which took place in the British ports was the racial hostility which was prominent between whites and blacks. Despite the issue of racism being prominent prior to 1919, it is clear the disturbances which took place on many of the British ports were racially motivated. Racism played a pivotal role in most, if not all, of the disturbances mentioned within the article. The article sheds significant light on the unfair treatment of blacks. This was evident when Evans includes the “Get back to your own part of the city” quotation, demonstrating there was no relationship or assimilation between the black and white population. Furthermore, the concept of repatriation is important when discussing the prevalence of race during the riots in 1919. The fact such was even considered by the British demonstrate the extent to which blacks were perceived as being the principal cause of the violence in 1919.
Overall Evans narration regarding the seaport riots fits in extremely well with this week’s topic. The information posed throughout compliments and expands the details in the lecture, examining the social and economic pressures which ultimately resulted in the violence which occurred in the early twentieth century. It is an insightful piece and provides important and thought-provoking information regarding the position of Britain and the violence which took place in 1919.
Thanks Christina, this is a good summary of Evans’s book chapter. Your post is well structured and you consider his arguments well. In particular you make the point that Evans considers that racist views were a key cause of the rioting. You could mention that Evans looks at rioting in other parts of the world at the end of the war too, giving the seaport riots some wider context. As I mentioned in the class, repatriation was offered to white colonial people too, but for black people it was given as an ultimatum during the riots rather than as a choice, as it was for the white colonial war veterans and workers who had come to Britain for the war effort.