Migration and Multiculturalism · Term 3

Post-War Immigration Policy: Populate or Perish

Students will examine the 'Populate or Perish' policy and its motivations for increasing Australia's population after WWII.

About This Topic

After World War II, Australia embarked on a massive nation-building project under the slogan 'Populate or Perish.' The government, fearing that Australia's small population made it vulnerable to invasion, sought to rapidly increase the number of citizens through large-scale migration. This topic explores the 'Ten Pound Poms' scheme, the recruitment of 'Beautiful Balts' from European displaced persons camps, and the massive infrastructure projects like the Snowy Mountains Scheme that these migrants helped build.

For Year 10 students, this unit explains the origins of Australia's modern multicultural identity. It highlights the shift from a purely British-focused migration policy to one that included broader European groups. Students grasp the economic and security motivations of the era through active learning strategies like role-playing migration interviews and collaborative investigations into the lives of post-war migrants.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The Migration Interview

Students take on roles as Australian migration officers and European displaced persons in 1947. They must conduct interviews based on the criteria of the time, such as health, age, and 'assimilability.' This highlights the selective and often discriminatory nature of early post-war migration policies.

⏱ 40 min·Pairs

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Inquiry Circle: The Snowy Mountains Scheme

In small groups, students research the 'Snowy' as a multicultural workplace. They investigate the different nationalities involved, the working conditions, and how this project helped integrate migrants into Australian society. Groups present their findings as a 'commemorative plaque' or digital presentation.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: 'Populate or Perish' Propaganda

Students examine government posters from the 1940s that encouraged migration. They reflect on the fear-based messaging (e.g., the threat of invasion) and discuss in pairs how this messaging would be received today. They then share their thoughts on how national security concerns drive migration policy.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Post-war migration was open to everyone from the start.

What to Teach Instead

The 'Populate or Perish' policy initially strictly favored British migrants, only expanding to other Europeans when British numbers were insufficient. The White Australia Policy remained firmly in place for non-Europeans. Using a 'migration timeline' helps students see the gradual nature of these changes.

Common Misconception

Migrants were always welcomed with open arms by the Australian public.

What to Teach Instead

While the government promoted migration, many new arrivals faced 'New Australian' prejudice and were expected to assimilate quickly and drop their original culture. Peer analysis of oral histories from the Bonegilla Migrant Centre reveals the challenges of early integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did 'Populate or Perish' mean?

It was a slogan used by Arthur Calwell, Australia's first Minister for Immigration, to convince the public that Australia needed a much larger population to defend itself and grow the economy after WWII. The goal was to increase the population by 1% per year through migration. Students can analyze the security fears of the 1940s to see why this slogan was so effective.

Who were the 'Ten Pound Poms'?

They were British migrants who could come to Australia for just £10, with the Australian government paying the rest of the fare. In return, they had to stay for at least two years. Over one million people came under this scheme. In class, students can investigate why so many people wanted to leave post-war Britain.

What was the Bonegilla Migrant Camp?

Bonegilla was the largest migrant reception centre in Australia, located in Victoria. Over 300,000 migrants passed through its doors between 1947 and 1971. It was often the first place 'New Australians' lived. Students can explore the 'Bonegilla Collection' online to see photos and stories of the people who stayed there.

How can active learning help students understand post-war migration?

Active learning, such as role-playing the migration process or investigating the Snowy Mountains Scheme, makes the 'Populate or Perish' era come to life. By stepping into the shoes of a migrant or an official, students understand the human motivations and the systemic barriers of the time. This hands-on approach helps them connect the large-scale policy to the individual stories that shaped modern Australia.

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