Journey Through Time 54. Black GIs: When Jim Crow Came To Britain (Ep 1)
Dec 8, 2025
What happened when 1.5 million American troops landed in the UK during WWII? Explore how British culture was reshaped by the 'friendly invasion' and the often-overlooked story of 130,000 African American soldiers. Discover the clash between Jim Crow segregation and British society, along with the complex reactions of locals. The podcast dives into the everyday realities of segregation, the British government's concerns, and the dual struggle faced by black servicemen against both fascism and racial injustice.
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Scale And Racial Impact Of The Friendly Invasion
- Around 1.5 million US service personnel came to Britain in WWII, including about 130,000 African Americans.
- The presence of segregated American forces brought Jim Crow practices into British towns and created lasting tensions.
Women Among The GIs And GI Brides
- Women served in many US roles in Britain, including nurses, mechanics, clerks, and Red Cross staff.
- There were also 'GI brides' and a smaller number of British men who married American servicewomen.
Segregation's Operational Cost
- The US Army duplicated facilities to maintain segregation, creating separate camps, canteens, and clubs for black and white troops.
- This system was costly, inefficient, and exported American racial policy into Britain.