First Post World War II Migration Program example essay topic

The two world wars had a profound effect on Australia's migration program. The resettling of refugees and young people in the postwar periods, especially after World War II, were significant chapters in Australian immigration history. Since the late 1940's, about 5.6 million immigrants from over 140 countries have made Australia their home. The mass migrations of the immediate postwar decades have subsided according to changing circumstances, with the preference now on the entry of people with needed skills and expertise Socially, migration has contributed to Australia becoming one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic societies in the world. It has meant the introduction of more than 100 languages into Australian life, while English remains the common language. It has also resulted in the growth of community language schools, ethnic media, businesses, diverse religious and cultural activities and variety in foods, restaurants, fashion, art and architecture.

Since 1945, immigration has almost doubled the Australian population. This influx has permanently altered the Australian character, and has contributed to the multicultural society of modern Australia. Australia is recognised as one of the most successful nations in building a tolerant, inclusive and culturally diverse society. Australia's multicultural policy rests on three principles: the right to cultural identity, the value of social justice and the interest in economic efficiency. After World War II a census showed that Australia's population was only 7 1/2 million people - and if this didn't improve Australia's industries would die and leave Australia open for invasion from more powerful countries. Australia had been bombed in World War II which highlighted the need for better security and a high population to defend it's land.

The lack of trained and skilled workers, which Australia needed, was due to the wars and depression. Australia needed to survive, and this was done through planned immigration. For it's first post World War II migration program, Australia turned to it's 'mother nation' Britain and came out with one of the largest migration programs in the Southern Hemisphere ever. It was called the United Kingdom-Australia free and Assisted Passage agreements and this program proved to be successful as the 1947 population of 7 and a half million rose to 12 and a half million by 1969, with over 40% of the immigrants coming from the British Isles. Immigrants have made significant impact to industry, the economy, culture and society of Australia.

A lot of post-World War II reconstruction was done thanks to immigrants. In the first seven months of 1948, approximately 4000 Displaced Persons were given jobs in a variety of Industries. Although 4000 is a small number of people, they still made a big impact on Australia, and this was amplified as more immigrants came. Because there was a constant supply of labour from immigrants, it development an expansion of industries which made it much easier for Australian to get employment.

Each wave of immigrants from a nation influences the cuisine of the host society. Here is a list of foods that we enjoy today that were unknown to most Australians in 1950: pizza, pasta, salami, tacos, kebabs, capsicum, zucchini, eggplant, gelato ice- cream, garlic, cappuccino coffee, expresso coffee, any dish containing wine There were not many restaurants before 1950, most people ate simple home cooked meals. So all in all, I think immigration has given Australia many benefits, and so it has been a positive experience on our society during the post war and up until the 1970's and up until today we are still getting benefits from immigration.