AP World Unit 8.2 (Cram)

Reasons for Decolonization

After WWII, colonized nations demanded independence due to weakened European powers, anti-colonial movements, pressure from the U.S. and USSR, and desire for self-determination and national identity.

Decolonization

The process of colonies gaining independence from imperial powers, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East during the mid-20th century.

Negotiated Independence

A peaceful process where colonial powers and nationalist leaders discussed terms of independence, avoiding violent revolutions (e.g., India, Ghana).

Muslim League

A political group in British India that represented Muslim interests and pushed for a separate Muslim state—eventually leading to the creation of Pakistan.

Partition of India and Pakistan (1947)

The division of British India into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan, causing mass migration and deadly violence between religious groups.

Negotiated Independence of India

India gained independence in 1947 through nonviolent resistance led by Gandhi and negotiations between the British, Indian National Congress, and Muslim League.

Kwame Nkrumah

Leader of Ghana's independence movement, and later its first president. He used nonviolent protest and Pan-Africanism to inspire decolonization in Africa.

Negotiated Independence for the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast (now Ghana) gained independence from Britain in 1957 through peaceful negotiations, led by Kwame Nkrumah.

Algerian War (1954-1962)

A violent conflict between France and Algerian nationalists (FLN) that led to Algeria's independence. Known for guerrilla warfare and brutal counterinsurgency.

Ho Chi Minh/Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese nationalist and communist leader who fought for Vietnam's independence—from France and later the U.S. in the Vietnam War.

Suez Crisis (1956)

When Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, Britain, France, and Israel invaded. The U.S. and USSR forced them to withdraw, marking a decline in European imperial power.

Gamal Abdel Nasser/Israel

Nasser was Egypt's leader who promoted Arab nationalism, challenged Western influence, and led the nationalization of the Suez Canal, angering Israel and its allies.

OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries)

A group of major oil-producing nations (mostly in the Middle East) that coordinate oil production and prices. Founded in 1960 to protect members' economic interests.