🇪🇺ap european history review
9.11 Migrations within and to Europe Since 1945
Verified for the 2025 AP European History exam•Citation:
The decades following World War II brought major shifts in migration patterns across Europe. The destruction of the war, followed by a period of economic growth, drew millions of people to Western and Central Europe. Many were migrants from former colonies or refugees escaping conflict and authoritarian regimes. Others came to reunite with family or seek opportunity in booming postwar economies.
This mass movement reshaped the demographic, religious, and cultural fabric of the continent. At the same time, it sparked tensions, ignited political backlash, and changed the role of religion and national identity in European life.
Migration During Postwar Recovery (1950s–1960s)
Causes of Increased Immigration
Europe’s economic recovery in the 1950s and 1960s led to labor shortages and a need for workers. As industries and cities grew, Western European countries encouraged migration from abroad—particularly from former colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Labor Shortages | Booming economies in France, Germany, and Britain needed more workers |
| Decolonization | Former colonial subjects migrated to European metropoles |
| Refugees from the East | Individuals fleeing communism in the Soviet bloc sought safety in the West |
| Family Reunification | Earlier migrants helped relatives move, forming tight immigrant communities |
| Postwar Displacement | WWII left millions displaced; migration offered a chance at rebuilding |
⭐ Key Idea: Economic opportunity and political upheaval helped transform Europe into a global migration hub after WWII.
Cultural and Religious Impact
As immigrants arrived, they brought diverse religions, languages, and customs, which shifted Europe’s cultural identity. Large Muslim populations began forming in cities like Paris, Berlin, and London. This introduced new debates about the role of religion in public life, prompting questions about secularism, integration, and identity.
At the same time, Secularization—especially in Western Europe—continued, as younger generations distanced themselves from institutional religion.
Backlash and Nationalist Responses (1970s–Present)
Economic Downturn and Changing Sentiment
The global economic slowdown of the 1970s brought rising unemployment and social anxiety. Immigrants who were once welcomed as workers were now perceived as economic burdens or cultural outsiders. This sparked a surge in xenophobia and support for far-right political movements.
| Political Party | Country | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| French National Front | France | Anti-immigration, Euroskepticism, conservative nationalism |
| Austrian Freedom Party | Austria | Anti-immigration, law and order, populist nationalism |
- French National Front (FN): Founded in 1972, it gained popularity by blaming immigrants for economic and social decline. It embraced cultural nationalism and called for reduced immigration and stricter asylum policies.
- Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ): Founded in 1956, it became increasingly vocal against immigration in the 1980s and 1990s. It also promoted Euro-skepticism, and was criticized for xenophobia and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
⭐ Key Idea: As economic confidence declined, immigrants became scapegoats, fueling support for far-right movements.
Continued Migration and Ongoing Debate
Migration did not end in the 1970s—in fact, it expanded:
- Civil wars and authoritarian regimes in the Middle East and Africa caused surges in asylum seekers.
- EU expansion brought millions of Eastern Europeans westward in search of better pay.
- Globalization and cheaper travel facilitated both legal and undocumented immigration.
While many immigrants successfully integrated, tensions continued over national identity, social cohesion, and Multiculturalism. Debates over headscarves, religious education, and urban segregation shaped policy and political discourse.
Religious Change in European Society
Migration diversified the religious landscape:
- Islam became the second-largest religion in countries like France, Germany, and the UK.
- Christianity continued to decline in adherence, especially in Western Europe.
- Secularism increasingly became the standard in public institutions like schools and courts.
These shifts challenged traditional definitions of “European Identity,” prompting legal and cultural battles over religious symbols, public expression, and citizenship.
Conclusion: A Continually Evolving Europe
Migration after WWII redefined Europe. Economic recovery created the demand; decolonization and Cold War conflicts provided the supply. The long-term result was a more diverse but also divided continent. Political polarization, religious tensions, and debates over national identity remain central to understanding modern European society.