AP World decolonization LEQ

Context

From the 15th to the 20th centuries, many European countries established colonies in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific. They often exploited resources and imposed their cultures on indigenous populations like those in Congo. The two World Wars weakened European powers like the British and France economically and politically. The weakening of these powers, combined with rising nationalism and support for self-determination from the U.S. and USSR, fueled independence movements. After World War II, there was a growing desire for independence among colonized nations. Founded in 1945, the UN promoted self-determination and supported decolonization efforts. Countries like India in 1947, Ghana in 1957, and Algeria in 1962 fought for and achieved independence, often through protests, negotiations, or armed struggle. Decolonization allowed nations to reclaim their cultural identities and traditions that had been suppressed during colonial rule. Many newly independent countries faced challenges like political instability, economic struggles, and the legacy of colonialism, which still affects global relations today. These newly decolonized nations were often involved in the Cold War through proxy wars that the Soviet Union and the USA used as a means to indirectly fight each other. These superpowers often targeted newly independent countries as their local governance was often weak and therefore easy to exploit.

Region of Africa

Ghana's success inspired other African nations, leading to a wave of independence movements. Led by Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana used peaceful protests and political organizations to gain independence from British rule. The U.S. and USSR both sought to influence these new nations, promoting their ideologies through proxy wars. Pan-Africanism was implemented, a movement that encouraged solidarity among African nations and peoples. For the Algerian war that started in 1954, FLN used guerrilla warfare and mass mobilization against French colonial forces. The brutality of the conflict drew international attention and support, particularly from the USSR

Region of Asia

India gained independence from British rule in 1947, leading to the partition into India and Pakistan. The division into India(USSR however was not aligned) and Pakistan(US) created tensions that were exploited during the Cold War, as both countries aligned with different superpowers. The Indian National Congress, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, employed nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. After a long struggle, Vietnam declared independence from France in 1945, leading to the Vietnam War. The U.S. supported South Vietnam and the USSR backed North Vietnam. The Viet Cong used guerrilla tactics and popular support to fight against French and later American forces.

Region of Middle East

The end of British and French mandates in the region led to the establishment of several new nations, including Israel in 1948. The Zionist movement used diplomatic efforts and international support to establish Israel. The subsequent conflicts drew U.S. support for Israel and Soviet backing for Arab nations. Arab nationalism grew, leading to independence movements in countries like Egypt and Syria and leading to pan-Arabism. Leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt sought to unite Arab nations against colonial powers and Western influence, often aligning with the USSR.

Region of Latin America

Most Latin American countries had already gained independence by the early 20th century, but movements for social and political reform continued. In 1959, Fidel Castro led a successful revolution, establishing a communist government. Castro turned Cuba into a communist state, leading to U.S. fears of communism spreading in the Americas, which heightened Cold War tensions. Castro's movement used guerrilla warfare and popular uprisings to overthrow Batista's regime

Region of Carribean

Many Caribbean nations gained independence in the 1960s and 1970s, with Jamaica leading the way in 1962. Jamaica used political negotiations and peaceful protests to gain independence. As Caribbean nations gained independence, they often navigated the pressures of the Cold War, with the U.S. and USSR competing for influence in the region.

Region of Europe

European countries like France, Britain, and Portugal faced pressure to decolonize after WWII. The struggle for independence in Algeria (1954-1962) was particularly violent and significant in the context of French colonialism. The U.S. promoted decolonization as a way to counter Soviet influence. European nations faced protests and demands for independence.