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Migration in Post-World War II Western Europe
Economic Recovery and Labor Shortage:
After World War II, Western Europe's economic recovery was so rapid and substantial that it was dubbed an "economic miracle."
As economies boomed, many new jobs were created, but there were not enough Europeans to fill these positions.
Women began entering the workforce in larger numbers to help meet the demand, but even this was insufficient.
Guest Workers and Immigration:
Beginning in the 1950s and 1960s, Western European countries started relying on "guest workers" to fill labor shortages. "Guest workers" is a term used to describe immigrants who came to work in Europe temporarily.
The global movement of decolonization during this period also contributed to migration patterns, as people from former colonies moved to their former imperial powers in search of work.
For example, Indians migrated to Britain, and North Africans migrated to France.
Additionally, there was significant migration within Europe itself, with Southern Europeans moving to countries like Germany for employment opportunities.
By the 1980s, immigrants made up about five percent of the European population.
Cultural and Religious Impact:
Immigrants did not just contribute to Europe's labor force; they also brought their cultures and religions with them.
The most significant religious change was the growth of Islam due to the large influx of Muslim immigrants.
This influx of Muslims led to debates about the role of religion in the public sphere, particularly concerning the place of Islam in predominantly Christian European societies.
Resistance to Immigrants in Post-World War II Western Europe
Religious and Cultural Tensions:
Historically, Europe has been predominantly Christian, so the steady growth of Islam as a minority religion became unwelcome in certain places.
In some countries, Muslims were allowed to run for political office without restriction, while in others, significant barriers were erected to prevent their participation in government.
A major point of contention arose where the practice of Islam conflicted with European laws. Many Europeans believed that religious practices, especially those of Islam, should conform to local laws.
This was particularly evident in the debate over traditional head coverings for Muslim girls in schools.
Economic Recession and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment:
During the 1970s, the European "economic miracle" began to falter, leading to economic recession and a decline in the number of available jobs.
As job opportunities dwindled, some groups turned to anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, blaming immigrants for the economic downturn.
France:
The National Front, a far-right political party, pushed for policies to cut off all immigration and restrict current immigrants from assimilating into French society.
Although National Front candidates never gained significant political power, they received a substantial number of votes, influencing other conservative parties to adopt similar anti-immigrant stances.
Austria:
A similar far-right party, the Freedom Party, was more successful in gaining political influence, although they still did not achieve majority power.
Overall, around 15 million new immigrants entered Europe during the second half of the 20th century, fundamentally changing the fabric of European society and economy.
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