Decolonization

Nationalism

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's nation, often driving independence movements.

Self-determination

The right of a people to choose their own government and political status.

World Wars and Nationalism

WWI and WWII weakened empires and inspired colonies to demand independence after contributing soldiers and resources.

Mohandas Gandhi

Leader of India's independence movement; promoted nonviolent resistance such as marches, boycotts, and strikes.

Kwame Nkrumah

Leader of Ghana; promoted Pan-Africanism and helped Ghana gain independence peacefully from Britain.

Ho Chi Minh

Vietnamese leader who fought French colonialism using communist and nationalist ideas.

Ahmed Ben Bella

Leader of Algeria's FLN; helped lead violent struggle against French rule.

Jawaharlal Nehru

First Prime Minister of independent India; worked with Gandhi and supported democracy.

Nonviolent Resistance

Using peaceful protests, boycotts, and strikes to resist imperial powers (e.g., Gandhi).

Violent Resistance

Armed struggle and warfare against colonial powers (e.g., Algeria's FLN).

Partition of India (1947)

Division of British India into India and Pakistan; caused massive migration and violence.

Creation of Israel (1948)

The establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, leading to wars and ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict.

Artificial Borders

Colonial-era boundaries that ignored cultural and ethnic groups, leading to conflict after independence.

Organization of African Unity (OAU)

Founded in 1963 to promote African unity and cooperation after independence.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

A group of nations that chose not to side with the US or USSR during the Cold War.

Economic Legacy of Imperialism

Colonial powers left behind export-based economies dependent on world markets.

Political Legacy of Imperialism

Colonial rulers discouraged democracy, leaving weak governments after independence.

Social & Cultural Impacts

Colonialism imposed European languages, religions, and racial hierarchies on colonized societies.

Neocolonialism

Ongoing economic and political influence by former colonial powers over newly independent nations.

Rwanda Conflict

An example of ethnic conflict worsened by colonial borders and divisions.

Nigeria and Biafra

Civil war caused by ethnic and regional divisions linked to artificial colonial boundaries.

Modern Nationalism

Current movements for national identity and independence (e.g., Brexit, Ukraine, Palestine).

Atlantic Charter (1941)

Agreement between the US and UK promising the right of all peoples to choose their government.