1919 British race riots

The 1919 race riots in Britain marked a significant moment when the presence of black and minority ethnic people living in the country, including long-time residents and war veterans, came to public attention.

Furthermore, the demobilization of troops after World War I led to intense post-war job competition. As the National Archives highlight, 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.