Intro:

World events also continued to influence patterns of immigration to Australia. The aftermath of the world wars, the rise of dictators and the collapse of civil order often determined the country of origin of migrants and the numbers of migrants. While the largest number of refugees accepted into Australia as migrants occurred between 1947 and 1952, a wide range of world political crises have created new groups of refugees and waves of migration. The reason the largest wave of migrants came at 1947-1952 was due to Australia’s “Populate or perish”. During World War II Australians faced air attack and feared a full Japanese invasion. With the end of war came the need to establish a long-term defence strategy was essential. The Australian government realised a larger population was necessary for future economic growth and security. In 1945, the population of Australia was just over seven million and so “Populate or Perish” was advertised. Populate or perish was primarily advertised to white Europeans as the “White Australian Policy” was still in place however later in 1958 it was abolished and they took on anyone. The Australian Government Advertisement guaranteed employment, land, a new start to life which was safer and better. They also expected these migrants to Assimilate and leave their culture and language in the old country so they could adapt to the Australian way of life, learn English, enjoy Australian culture and part take in Australian customs.