Journey Through Time 55. Black GIs: We Ain’t No Slaves, This Is England (Ep 2)
Dec 11, 2025
Discover how American troops brought segregation to Britain during World War II, sparking tensions in British towns. The hosts explore the striking contrast between the well-fed GIs and the struggling locals. Learn about the British public's mixed reactions, from sympathy for black GIs to complicity in segregation. They highlight the cultural differences between black and white soldiers and the violent enforcement of American racial policies. Personal stories illustrate the moral dilemmas faced as Britain grappled with its own racism while fighting fascism.
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Segregation Imported By The US Army
- The arrival of 130,000 African-American GIs exposed deep clashes between US segregation and British society.
- Segregation was transported by the US Army and strained allied relations during WWII.
Material Gap Fueled Resentment
- Americans arrived with much higher pay, food, and luxuries which shocked the British under wartime rationing.
- This material gap fuelled resentment and the phrase "overpaid, overfed, oversexed, and over here."
Politeness Rooted In Survival
- British people often preferred African-American soldiers because their manners matched British expectations.
- Politeness among Black GIs was a learned survival strategy under US racial violence.