Colonialism and Decolonization Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, events, and figures related to colonial world dominance, the impact of World War II on colonialism, and the subsequent waves of decolonization across Asia and Africa.

Colonial World Dominance (1939)

At the outbreak of World War II, over a third of the Earth’s population lived in regions governed by colonial powers, predominantly European nations.

British Colonial Presence (Africa 1939)

British possessions spanned Africa from Cairo to Cape Town and extended westwards around the Gulf of Guinea.

French Colonial Presence (Africa 1939)

France's territories were primarily in North-West Africa, including North Africa, French West Africa, and French Equatorial Africa.

Union of South Africa (1910)

An independent state that gained a League of Nations mandate to administer German South-West Africa after WWI, but remained governed by white settlers.

League of Nations Mandates (Middle East post-WWI)

After WWI, France was responsible for Lebanon and Syria, while the British held authority over Palestine, Transjordan, the Gulf Emirates, Oman, and Aden.

Japanese Expansion (pre-WWII)

Japan imposed a protectorate on Korea in 1910 and took control of Manchuria and a large part of eastern China during the 1930s.

Impact of WWII on Colonial System

World War II seriously undermined the myth of the invulnerability of colonial powers and white supremacy.

Japanese Occupation (Southeast Asia WWII)

Japanese troops occupied French Indochina, and following the Pearl Harbor attack, took control of French, British, American, Dutch, and Australian possessions from Burma to New Guinea.

African Colonies' War Contributions (WWII)

French possessions in North and Black Africa provided nearly 250,000 combatants, encouraging hopes for post-war acknowledgement and promises of future self-determination.

Atlantic Charter (1941)

Signed by US President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill, it included 'the right of all peoples to choose the form of government under which they wish to live'.

United Nations Charter (1945)

Signed in San Francisco, it recognized that all peoples were equal and had the right to decide their future, fostering anti-colonial movements.

First Wave of Decolonization (1945-1955)

Mainly in Asia, marked by Japan's withdrawal from occupied territories, the US ending administration in the Philippines, and European powers relinquishing Asian and some Middle Eastern mandates.

Second Wave of Decolonization (1956-1966)

Primarily in Africa, seeing independence granted to almost all British, French, Belgian, and Italian colonies, as well as Malaysia, Northern Borneo, Cyprus, and Malta.

Congress Party (India)

A predominantly Hindu political party that advocated for a single, non-denominational state for the entire Indian population.

Muslim League (India)

A political party that sought to divide India into two countries, one of which would be an Islamic state, during the independence process.

Partition of India (1947)

The plan that led to the establishment of two independent states, the Indian Union and Pakistan, resulting in massive exoduses and violent conflicts between religious groups.

Kashmir Dispute

A highly contentious territorial disagreement between India and Pakistan, originating from the Hindu Maharajah's decision to join the Indian Union despite a Muslim majority population, leading to an invasion and a divided region.

Bangladesh (1971)

Formerly East Pakistan, it gained independence after rebelling against the national government in Islamabad.

Sri Lanka (1972)

The new name adopted by Ceylon, which experienced a decades-long civil war between the Tamil Hindu minority and Sinhalese Buddhists.

Malaysian Independence (1957)

The Malaysian peninsula became independent as the Federation of Malaya, a process complicated by tensions between Malay and Chinese communities and Communist opposition.

Singapore Independence (1965)

Initially part of the Federation of Malaya, it withdrew and became an independent state two years later.

Indonesian Nationalism

A political movement that emerged during the Japanese occupation of the Dutch Indies, leading to the proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia by leaders Soekarno and Hatta.

Republic of the United States of Indonesia (1949)

Recognized as fully independent by the Netherlands after two 'police actions' and growing international criticism.

East Timor (2002)

A former Portuguese colony invaded by Indonesia, it achieved independence after a referendum in 1999.

Ho Chi Minh

Leader of the Communist Party in French Indochina, who created the League for the Independence of Vietnam (Vietminh) in opposition to Japan.

French Indochina War (1946-1954)

A conflict that began with a French Navy bombing of Haiphong, culminating in the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu, leading to the Geneva Agreements.

Geneva Agreements (1954)

Following 8 years of war, France recognized the independence of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, which was initially divided into North (Communist) and South (pro-American).

Vietnam War

A second conflict after the French Indochina War, led by the United States, which ultimately resulted in the reunification of Vietnam under Communist rule in 1975.