The Interwar Years and the New Deal 1915-1941 · Autumn Term

Economic Impact of WWI on Britain

Students will examine the economic consequences of World War I for Britain, including debt, industrial decline, and the challenges of returning to a peacetime economy.

About This Topic

This topic evaluates the impact of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), the largest mass movement in African American history. Students examine Garvey's philosophy of Black Nationalism, Pan-Africanism, and economic self-reliance, which stood in stark contrast to the integrationist goals of the NAACP. His 'Back to Africa' movement and the Black Star Line shipping company captured the imagination of millions of working-class Black people who felt excluded by the more elitist civil rights organisations.

At Year 13, students must analyse why Garveyism resonated so deeply in the post-WWI era and the reasons for its eventual decline, including federal persecution by J. Edgar Hoover's BOI (later FBI). This topic is essential for understanding the roots of later Black Power and Afrocentric movements. Students grasp these concepts faster through role-playing UNIA conventions and debating the viability of Garvey's economic and separatist programmes.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The 1920 UNIA Convention

Students take on roles as delegates from different parts of the African diaspora. They must draft a 'Declaration of Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World', reflecting Garvey's vision of global Black unity and self-determination.

⏱ 60 min·Whole Class

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Formal Debate: Garvey vs. Du Bois

Divide the class to argue the merits of Garvey's separatism versus Du Bois's integrationism. Students must use primary source insults and critiques exchanged between the two leaders to understand the deep ideological rift in the 1920s.

⏱ 45 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Black Star Line

Groups examine the business model and eventual failure of Garvey's shipping line. They present on whether the failure was due to mismanagement, sabotage, or the inherent difficulty of building a Black economy within a hostile white system.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Garvey wanted all African Americans to literally move to Africa immediately.

What to Teach Instead

While he advocated for a return to Africa, his primary goal was the liberation of Africa from colonial rule and the creation of a strong, independent Black nation that would protect Black people globally. Peer discussion of his 'Africa for the Africans' slogan helps clarify this nuance.

Common Misconception

Garveyism died out completely after his deportation.

What to Teach Instead

His ideas of Black pride and economic independence directly influenced the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X, and the Black Power movement. Using a 'legacy map' activity helps students trace these ideological connections through the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main goals of the UNIA?

The Universal Negro Improvement Association aimed to achieve Black self-determination through economic independence, racial pride, and the eventual liberation of Africa. Garvey promoted 'race first' and encouraged Black people to build their own businesses, schools, and even a military-style corps to foster a sense of national identity.

Why did Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois dislike each other?

Their conflict was both ideological and personal. Du Bois viewed Garvey as a dangerous demagogue whose separatist ideas played into the hands of white supremacists. Garvey viewed Du Bois as an elitist 'aristocrat' who was too dependent on white support and didn't represent the interests of the Black masses.

How did the US government respond to Marcus Garvey?

The government, particularly the Bureau of Investigation under J. Edgar Hoover, viewed Garvey as a threat to racial stability. They used undercover agents to infiltrate the UNIA and eventually prosecuted Garvey for mail fraud in connection with the Black Star Line, leading to his imprisonment and deportation.

How can active learning help students understand Black Nationalism?

Black Nationalism can seem abstract compared to the more familiar integrationist narrative. By role-playing the UNIA conventions, students can feel the emotional appeal of Garvey's message of pride and power. This helps them understand why millions of people were willing to invest their hopes and money in his vision despite the opposition of other Black leaders.

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