HASS · Year 6 · Migration Stories · Term 3

Post-WWII Migration: Populate or Perish

Examine the government's 'Populate or Perish' policy after WWII and the initial waves of European migration to Australia.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9HASS6K03

About This Topic

Populate or Perish examines the massive wave of migration to Australia following World War II. Students explore the government's fear that Australia's small population made it vulnerable to invasion, leading to the famous slogan 'Populate or Perish'. This unit covers the recruitment of 'Ten Pound Poms' from Britain and the arrival of displaced persons from war-torn Europe, marking the beginning of a major shift in Australia's cultural makeup.

This topic is essential for understanding how modern Australia was built and the origins of our multicultural society. It connects to ACARA standards regarding the stories of migrants and the reasons for their journey. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the migration process and the 'push and pull' factors that drove millions of people to move across the globe.

Key Questions

1. Explain the strategic and economic reasons behind Australia's 'Populate or Perish' policy.
2. Analyze the experiences of 'Ten Pound Poms' and other European migrants in post-war Australia.
3. Evaluate the immediate impact of mass migration on Australia's population and workforce.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the primary strategic and economic motivations behind Australia's 'Populate or Perish' policy after World War II.
• Analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by British 'Ten Pound Poms' and other European migrants upon arrival in post-war Australia.
• Evaluate the immediate demographic and workforce changes in Australia resulting from post-war mass migration.
• Compare the push and pull factors that influenced European migration to Australia during the mid-20th century.

Before You Start

World War II: Causes and Consequences

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of the global conflict and its immediate aftermath to grasp the context for post-war migration policies and the displacement of people.

Australia's Geography and Population Distribution

Why: Understanding Australia's vast landmass and relatively small population is crucial for comprehending the 'Populate or Perish' rationale.

Key Vocabulary

Populate or Perish	A post-World War II Australian government policy that encouraged mass migration, driven by the fear that a small population made the country vulnerable to invasion.
Ten Pound Poms	A term for British migrants who were able to emigrate to Australia after World War II for a nominal fee of ten pounds, as part of assisted passage schemes.
Displaced Persons (DPs)	Individuals who were forced to flee their home countries due to war or persecution, many of whom found new homes in Australia after World War II.
Assisted Passage Migration Scheme	Government programs, particularly between Britain and Australia, that subsidized the cost of travel for migrants to encourage settlement in Australia.
Push Factors	Conditions in a person's home country that encourage or force them to leave, such as war, poverty, or lack of opportunity.
Pull Factors	Conditions in a new country that attract people to migrate there, such as economic opportunities, safety, or perceived better quality of life.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Migrants only came to Australia because they wanted a holiday.

What to Teach Instead

Most post-war migrants were fleeing extreme hardship or were 'displaced' because they had no home to return to. Using 'push and pull' charts helps students see the serious reasons behind migration.

Common Misconception

The 'Populate or Perish' policy was open to everyone in the world.

What to Teach Instead

The policy still heavily favoured British and European migrants due to the White Australia policy. Peer discussion about who was 'invited' versus who was 'excluded' helps students understand the limitations of the time.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Migration Interview

Students act as migration officers and potential migrants from 1950s Europe. They must discuss the 'push' factors (war, poverty) and 'pull' factors (jobs, safety) that lead someone to leave their home for Australia.

45 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: The Ten Pound Poms

Small groups research the 'Assisted Passage Scheme'. They create a travel brochure from the 1950s designed to convince a British family to move to Australia, highlighting the promised benefits.

50 min·Small Groups

Stations Rotation: Bonegilla and Beyond

Set up stations with photos and diary entries from migrant hostels like Bonegilla. Students rotate to learn about the food, the language barriers, and the first jobs migrants took when they arrived.

60 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• The establishment of new industries and infrastructure projects, such as the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, required a large, readily available workforce that post-war migration helped to supply.
• Many Australian suburbs and towns saw significant growth and development due to the influx of new residents, changing the demographic landscape and local economies.
• The skills and labor contributed by European migrants were vital for rebuilding and expanding Australia's manufacturing and construction sectors during the post-war economic boom.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with two index cards. On the first, ask them to write one specific reason for the 'Populate or Perish' policy. On the second, ask them to name one group of migrants and one challenge they likely faced.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are a migrant arriving in Australia in 1950. What are two things you might be excited about, and two things you might be worried about?' Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging students to draw on vocabulary and historical context.

Quick Check

Present students with a short list of potential 'push' and 'pull' factors for migration. Ask them to categorize each factor as either a push or pull factor for post-WWII European migrants heading to Australia, and to briefly justify their choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did 'Populate or Perish' actually mean?

After WWII, Australian leaders believed the country needed a much larger population to defend itself and to grow the economy. They feared that if the population didn't grow quickly, Australia might be 'taken over' by other nations.

Who were the 'Ten Pound Poms'?

These were British migrants who were offered a trip to Australia for just ten pounds. The Australian government paid the rest of the fare to encourage people from the 'mother country' to move here and help build the nation.

What were migrant hostels?

Migrant hostels, like Bonegilla in Victoria, were temporary housing centres where new arrivals lived while they looked for work and permanent homes. They were often old army barracks and could be quite basic and crowded.

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

Active learning, such as 'role playing an arrival', helps students empathise with the courage it takes to move to a new country. By analyzing real passenger lists and luggage contents, students connect with the personal stories of migrants, making the historical policy of 'Populate or Perish' feel human and real.