Key Figures and Events in Independence Movements

Indian National Congress (INC)

A major political party in India that played a central role in the country's fight for independence from British rule.

Muslim League

A political party in India that advocated for the creation of Pakistan as a separate state for Muslims, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Mohandas Gandhi

A key figure in India's independence movement, known for leading nonviolent protests against British rule.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

The leader of the Muslim League who pushed for the creation of Pakistan and became the country's first leader.

Jawaharlal Nehru

The first Prime Minister of independent India and a key leader in the Indian National Congress.

Indira Gandhi

Daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru and the first woman Prime Minister of India, known for her strong leadership.

Kwame Nkrumah

The first Prime Minister and President of Ghana, a major figure in African independence movements.

Jomo Kenyatta

Kenya's first President, who led the fight for independence from British colonial rule.

Mau Mau

A group of Kenyan rebels who fought against British colonial rule, often through violent means, in the 1950s.

Nelson Mandela

A South African anti-apartheid revolutionary who became the country's first Black president and symbol of peace.

FW de Klerk

The last apartheid-era president of South Africa who helped end apartheid and release Nelson Mandela from prison.

Apartheid

The system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa that lasted from 1948 to 1994.

African National Congress (ANC)

A political party in South Africa, led by Nelson Mandela, that fought against apartheid and now governs the country.

Sharpeville Massacre

A tragic event in 1960 when South African police opened fire on unarmed Black protesters, leading to global outrage.

Soweto Uprising

A 1976 protest by South African students against apartheid's educational policies, which led to violent repression by the government.

Negritude

A cultural and literary movement by Black intellectuals, mainly from Africa and the Caribbean, that celebrated Black identity and heritage.

Mobutu Sese Seko

The dictator of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) from 1965 to 1997, known for his corrupt rule.

Balfour Declaration

A 1917 British statement supporting the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, fueling tensions in the region.

Sykes-Picot Agreement

A secret 1916 agreement between Britain and France dividing up the Middle East into spheres of influence after World War I.

Golda Meir

The first female Prime Minister of Israel, known for her leadership during the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

Yasir Arafat

Leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), advocating for Palestinian independence and peace with Israel.

Anwar Sadat

President of Egypt who signed the Camp David Accords and made peace with Israel in 1979, leading to his assassination.

Camp David Accords

A peace agreement signed in 1978 between Egypt and Israel, brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, ending hostilities between the two countries.

New nations created with the partition in Africa

New nations like Ghana, Kenya, Algeria, and Nigeria were created as African countries gained independence.

Development of the idea of partition

European powers drew borders in Africa without considering ethnic groups, causing future tensions.

Protests used by Mohandas Gandhi

nonviolent methods like civil disobedience, hunger strikes, and peaceful protests.

Ghana

The first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, inspiring others.

Mau Mau Rebellion

A violent uprising in Kenya in the 1950s against British colonial rule.

Jomo Kenyatta

Leader of the revolution in Kenya

Political issues in Zaire/Congo

Instability, corruption under Mobutu, and ethnic tensions.

Impact of Apartheid

Denied non-whites basic rights, including voting and education.

Political party against Apartheid

The African National Congress (ANC)

Key leaders for the end of apartheid

Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Steve Biko were key anti-apartheid leaders.

Key development issues facing Africa

Africa struggles with poverty, instability, poor infrastructure, and healthcare challenges.

How Israel gained its independence

Israel declared independence in 1948 after the UN partitioned Palestine.

Mandate system

Gave European powers control over former Ottoman lands, causing tensions in the Middle East.

Clash between Israel and Arabs

The conflict began in 1948 when Israel declared independence, leading to wars with neighboring Arab countries.