Decolonization and Independence Movements Study Guide

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the decolonization of Rwanda, Algeria, Ghana, India, and Vietnam, including key leaders, dates, and common themes like neocolonialism.

Rwanda's Colonizers

Initially colonized by Germany, and then later by Belgium.

Scientific Racism in Rwanda

A practice used by Belgians involving identity cards to divide the Hutu and Tutsi people.

Rwandan Independence

Achieved peacefully in 1962, though ethnic tensions between Hutu and Tutsi remained.

Algerian War of Independence

A violent war from 1954–1962 through which Algeria achieved independence from France.

French Settler Control

The key issue in colonial Algeria where French settlers controlled the land and government.

Kwame Nkrumah

The leader who led Ghana to independence from Britain through mostly peaceful protests and political organization.

Ghana's Independence

Occurred in 1957, making it the first sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence.

Mahatma Gandhi

An important leader who utilized mostly nonviolent resistance to achieve Indian independence from Britain.

Partition of India

The 1947 division of the former British colony into two separate nations: India and Pakistan.

Ho Chi Minh

The important leader of the Vietnamese independence movement against France and later the U.S.

1975 (Vietnam)

The year Vietnam became communist following their victory in long wars for independence.

Nationalism

A common theme in independence movements where people desired self-rule and resisted colonial control.

Neocolonialism

When powerful countries continue to influence weaker countries economically or politically even after they have gained independence.

Economic Exploitation

A common theme across colonies where colonial powers used the colony's resources for their own economic gain.

Colonizer of Rwanda

Germany and belgium

Colonizer of Algeria

France

Colinizer of ghana

The UK

Colonizer of India

The british east India company and The british raj

Colinizer of Vietnam

France and Japan