APWORlD

Define “decolonization”

Decolonization is the process through which colonies become independent from colonial powers, achieving self-governance and political autonomy, often following conflicts or negotiations.

When (approximately) did Asia and the Middle East beginning gaining their independence?

After World War II, primarily in the mid-20th century.

When did Africa gain their independence?

Africa began gaining independence in the mid-20th century, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s.

In what two ways were the decolonization movements in the twentieth century different than empires being broken apart in the past (such as the break down of the Assyrian or Roman empires)

The decolonization movements were characterized by a focus on national self-determination and the emergence of new nation-states, contrasting with earlier empire collapses that often resulted in fragmentation or incorporation into larger powers.

The decolonization movements of the twentieth century were more comparable to what other decolonization in history?

The decolonization movements of the twentieth century were more comparable to the independence movements in the Americas during the 18th and 19th centuries, as both involved struggles against colonial powers and sought the establishment of new nations.

What land-based empires unraveled during WWI? (hint: you should have 3 listed)

The Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Russian Empires.

What new idea was proclaimed (championed) after WWII that helped decolonization efforts?

The idea of self-determination was championed after WWII, promoting the belief that peoples should have the right to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

What country didn’t technically have control of other territories yet had such strong influence in Latin America that it was challenged as if it had an empire there?

The United States had significant influence in Latin America, often acting as an informal empire through economic and political means, such as in the Monroe Doctrine and interventions.

List at least 3 contradictions that existed in the European colonial system:

Colonial powers preached civilizing missions while exploiting local populations, promoted freedom and democracy yet denied rights to colonized peoples, and claimed cultural superiority while suppressing native cultures.

What four reasons does the text give for why decolonization occurred after WWII and not earlier? (What four events occurred in conjunction with each other that led to the fall of empires?)

Decolonization after WWII was driven by the weakening of European powers due to the war, the rise of nationalist movements in colonies, the impact of the Cold War prompting superpowers to support decolonization, and the establishment of the United Nations advocating for self-determination.

Explain how providing a western-style education to colonists in Asia and Africa actually led to decolonization movements in those colonies overtime.

By introducing western-style education, colonized individuals became more aware of political ideologies, rights, and the disparities between their situation and those in the colonizing countries. This awareness often sparked desires for independence and self-governance, contributing to decolonization movements.

Why did some European countries begin to actually plan for decolonization? – What was in it for them?

European countries planned for decolonization to reduce administrative costs, ease political pressures from nationalist movements, gain favor in international relations, and refocus resources on domestic issues.

What did deliberate planning for decolonization by European “mother” countries include?

Negotiations for peaceful transitions, economic considerations for retaining influence, creating structured independence plans, and addressing global pressures for self-determination.

What did leaders of independence movements have to do to make their movement successful?

They needed to unite diverse groups, articulate clear goals, gain popular support, and effectively negotiate with colonial powers.

Why did independence movements often struggle to be cohesive (unified)?

Independence movements often struggled to be cohesive due to ethnic, religious, and political diversity among the population, differing goals among leaders, and external influences from colonial powers attempting to exploit divisions.

What were two differing tactics used by independence movements during this time?

Some movements emphasized nonviolent resistance, while others resorted to armed struggle to achieve their goals.

What 3 differing ideologies (major concerns) did global independence movements consider?

The need for national self-determination, social equality, and economic independence.

Why did the people living in South Asia not think of themselves as a unified group- “Indians?”

People in South Asia identified more with regional, ethnic, or religious groups rather than a single national identity, influenced by colonial divisions and a long history of diverse cultures.

How did British colonialism actually unify Indians?

British colonialism imposed a common administrative system, facilitated communication across regions, and introduced a shared national identity through anti-colonial movements.

What was the INC?

Indian National Congress, a political party formed to advocate for India's independence from British rule.

How did the INC reflect a new kind of protest against the British?

The INC represented a shift towards organized, collective efforts for independence, uniting diverse groups to challenge colonial rule through negotiation and nonviolent resistance.

What 4 things occurred during (and just shortly after WWI) that changed Indian sentiment towards British rule and increased support for home-rule?

The 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the introduction of repressive laws like the Rowlatt Act, the emergence of new nationalist leaders such as Gandhi, and the heightened awareness of self-determination and anti-colonial sentiments.

Explain how Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa set the stage for his eventually leading the Indian independence movement.

Gandhi's experiences in South Africa exposed him to racial discrimination and injustice, leading him to develop his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he later implemented in India's struggle for independence, uniting people across diverse backgrounds against British colonialism.

Explain Gandhi’s “satyagraha” movement:

A nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience philosophy that aimed to combat injustice and promote social change through peaceful means.

How did Gandhi help the INC become more accepted and popular with the mass majority of India’s population?

Gandhi transformed the Indian National Congress (INC) into a mass movement by promoting nonviolent resistance and appealing directly to the common people. He emphasized Hindu-Muslim unity and addressed social issues, making the INC more relatable and inclusive for the broader population.

How did Gandhi affect social changes for the following groups:

Gandhi's efforts led to significant social changes for various groups in India, emphasizing equality and women's rights, advocating for the upliftment of the untouchables (Harijans), and promoting communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims.

Lower castes (untouchables):

Gandhi worked tirelessly to uplift the lower castes, whom he referred to as "Harijans" or "children of God." He advocated for their rights, sought to eliminate the stigma associated with untouchability, and encouraged their integration into society.

Women:

Gandhi championed women's rights, encouraging their participation in the independence movement and advocating for gender equality. He recognized their role in social reform and worked to uplift women's status in society.

What are some obstacles to unity that Gandhi and the INC faced during their struggle for independence?

Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC) faced several obstacles to unity, including religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims, caste divisions within society, differing political ideologies among nationalist leaders, and the challenge of integrating diverse regional identities into a cohesive movement for independence.

What was the All-India Muslim league and how did its existence hurt Indian unity in its quest for independence?

The All-India Muslim League was a political party formed in 1906 that aimed to represent Muslim interests in India. Its promotion of a separate Muslim identity and demand for a separate nation ultimately deepened communal divides and hindered efforts for a united independence movement.

Who was the leader of The Muslim league? What did he want For Indian Muslims?

The leader of the Muslim League was Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who advocated for the rights of Indian Muslims and sought the establishment of Pakistan as a separate nation to ensure political and social security for Muslims.

South Asia gained its independence from Britain in what year?

1947

What 2 countries were created in this region and what religion was dominant in each?

India and Pakistan; Hinduism in India, Islam in Pakistan.

What are some problems that arose as a result of this partitioning in South Asia?

The partition of South Asia led to mass migrations, communal violence, and significant loss of life as Hindus and Muslims were forced to relocate to their respective countries. This division also created long-standing tensions and territorial disputes that continue to affect relationships between India and Pakistan.

How was South Africa’s independence movement different than India’s?

South Africa's independence movement involved a prolonged struggle against apartheid, focusing on racial equality and justice, while India's movement emphasized the fight against colonial rule and unification of diverse ethnic groups.

How could you argue that Europeans controlled the South African government, even though South Africa wasn’t technically a colony at this point?

After the Union of South Africa was established in 1910, British influence remained strong through laws that favored white settlers, thus undermining the political power of non-white citizens while maintaining control over key government functions.

Define “Boer” and “Afrikaner”:

The term "Boer" refers to the Dutch settlers in South Africa, particularly the farmers who migrated to the interior, while "Afrikaner" is a broader term that encompasses all descendants of these settlers, regardless of occupation.

In what year did Black Africans gain political independence in South Africa?

Black Africans gained political independence in South Africa in 1994, following the end of apartheid and the first multiracial elections.

How did South Africa’s economy compare to India’s?

South Africa's economy was more industrialized and resource-rich, particularly in minerals, while India had a larger agrarian base and faced challenges related to poverty and underdevelopment.

Define “apartheid” (may need to Google this one ☺)

Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa that lasted from 1948 to the early 1990s, enforcing the separation of races and denying rights to the majority black population.

Describe the treatment of black Africans in South Africa?

Black Africans in South Africa faced systematic oppression and discrimination under apartheid, including limited access to quality education, housing, and employment opportunities, as well as restrictions on movement and political participation.

What was the ANC?

The African National Congress (ANC) is a political party in South Africa that was founded in 1912 to oppose apartheid and promote the rights of black South Africans, eventually leading to the establishment of a democratic government.

How was the ANC similar to the Indian INC?

Both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Indian National Congress (INC) were formed to fight against colonial rule and promote the rights of oppressed populations, advocating for civil rights and political representation.

How did women participate in the resistance movement in South Africa?

Women played a crucial role in the resistance movement in South Africa, organizing protests, forming women's leagues, and participating in campaigns against apartheid laws. They were instrumental in mobilizing communities and advocating for equal rights.

Initially,(in the 1950’s) how did ANC resistance tactics compare to those used in India to gain independence?

The ANC employed non-violent protests, similar to the Indian INC, but gradually shifted to more militant strategies as repression increased.

How did the strategy of resistance movements in South Africa change after 1960?

After 1960, resistance movements in South Africa increasingly adopted more militant tactics, including armed struggle, in response to the apartheid government's violent repression of non-violent protests and civil disobedience.

How did outside countries respond to South African apartheid?

Many countries imposed economic sanctions, broke diplomatic ties, and supported anti-apartheid movements.

What was the outcome of discussions between white South Africans and African nationalist leaders in the 1980s?

The discussions led to the unbanning of the ANC and the release of Nelson Mandela, paving the way for the eventual end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government in South Africa.

How did South Africa’s acquisition of political freedom compare to India’s?

South Africa's acquisition of political freedom involved a negotiated transition from apartheid to democracy in the early 1990s, while India gained independence from British rule through a prolonged struggle and mass non-violent movements in 1947.

Who was Africa’s first nationalist hero?

Kwame Nkrumah, who led Ghana to independence from British rule in 1957, inspiring other African nations.

What was the “Third world”/ “Global south”?

Terms used to describe developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America that prioritized economic development and political independence following colonial rule.

What common set of conditions did most newly independent states have to deal with when creating a new government?

Most newly independent states faced challenges such as political instability, economic dependence, ethnic tensions, and the need to establish governance structures after colonial rule.

List some of the different types of governments that emerged in newly independent states?

Newly independent states adopted various forms of government, including democracies, authoritarian regimes, socialist states, and military governments, each influenced by local conditions and historical context.

Why was democracy more successfully adopted in India than in any other former colonies?

Democracy was more successfully adopted in India than in other former colonies due to its strong constitutional framework, a vibrant civil society, and the presence of a diverse political culture that encouraged pluralism and inclusivity.

How did tribal and ethnic groups make democracy difficult in African societies?

Tribal and ethnic groups often created divisions within African societies, leading to rivalries and conflicts that undermined national unity and made it challenging to establish a consensus for democratic processes.

Describe employment opportunities in Africa post-independence.

Post-independence, Africa faced challenges such as limited job creation due to economic instability, reliance on agriculture, and struggles with former colonial economies, but opportunities existed in sectors like mining, telecommunications, and agriculture.

How did poor economic performance affect support for governments in Africa?

Poor economic performance led to disillusionment among citizens, decreasing support for governments and often resulting in political instability, protests, and demands for democratic reforms.

What type of governments typically replaced the failing democracies in Africa and Latin America?

Authoritarian regimes often replaced failing democracies, characterized by centralized power and restrictions on political freedoms.

What conditions combined together to provoke (begin) resistance movements against the rich and Powerful in Latin America after WWII?

Economic inequality, political repression, and social injustice were the primary conditions that combined to provoke resistance movements against the wealthy elite in Latin America after World War II.

What reasons does the text give for the rise of democratic governments worldwide during the late twentieth century, especially in the third world/ Global South?

Increased global pressure for democracy, economic crises, and the influence of civil society movements were key factors contributing to the rise of democratic governments in the Global South.

What was the first priority of all newly independent countries?

The first priority of newly independent countries was often to achieve economic stability and develop national sovereignty, focusing on building their economies and establishing political independence.

List some of the difficulties newly independent nations faced when trying to develop their economies?

Newly independent nations faced challenges such as lack of infrastructure, dependency on former colonial powers, political instability, and limited access to capital and technology for sustainable development.

Why did most countries in the developing world (global south) expect the state (government) to take responsibility for growing the economy?

They believed that the government was essential for investment in infrastructure, creating jobs, and providing services necessary for economic development.

In the last few decades of the twentieth century, there was a shift in thinking in the third world- what was now expected to grow the economy instead of the state?

The shift in thinking expected private sector involvement, entrepreneurship, and market-driven policies to grow the economy instead of relying solely on the state.

Refresher: what is import substitution industrialization?- and why did Latin America use this strategy?

Import substitution industrialization (ISI) is an economic policy aimed at reducing dependency on foreign goods by promoting domestic industries. Latin America adopted this strategy to foster local production, create jobs, and protect emerging economies from international market fluctuations.

What strategy did East Asian countries adopt for trying to improve their economies?

Export-oriented industrialization

As population boomed in the twentieth century, what new developments helped to limit family sizes?

Advancements in contraception and family planning.

List some of the regions of the world that successfully grew their economies during the twentieth century.

East Asia, Western Europe, and North America.

List some regions of the world that did not grow their economies during the twentieth century and in fact saw them decline.

Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

How did the culture of Turkey change after WWI and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire?

The culture of Turkey underwent significant secularization, modernization, and nationalization, with a shift towards Western influences and the establishment of a more nationalist identity.

How did the government of Turkey differ from that of the previous one under the Ottomans?

Turkey established a secular government that promoted nationalism and modernization, contrasting with the Ottoman Empire's Islamic governance.

What new rights were given to women as a result of this process of westernization in turkey after WWI?

Women gained the right to vote and hold office, access to education, and greater participation in public life.

What positive results came about in Iran under Shah Reza Pahlavi’s leadership after WWII?

Iran experienced significant modernization, including economic growth, infrastructure development, and increased education and healthcare access.

List some of the grievances traditional Muslims had with these new modernization efforts in Iran.

Traditional Muslims were concerned about the erosion of Islamic values, the influence of Western culture, and the secularization of the state, which they felt threatened their religious identity and authority.

Who led the opposition movement to overthrow the Iranian Shah?

The opposition movement was led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who advocated for an Islamic government and played a key role in the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

How did the government of Iran differ from the new government created in Turkey post-independence?

The Iranian government maintained a monarchy under the Shah, whereas Turkey established a republic led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, promoting secularism and national sovereignty.

How did the lives of women change under the new Iranian government?

Under the new Iranian government, women experienced restrictions on their rights, including dress codes and limited participation in public life, contrasting sharply with their previous freedoms.

No Questions ☺