Impact of World War II on Colonial Powers and Independence Movements

Vocabulary and key concepts related to the impact of World War II on colonial powers, independence movements in Africa, the significance of oil in the Middle East, and the changes brought by the Iranian Revolution.

What was a significant effect of World War II on European colonial powers?

It weakened their ability to govern overseas colonies.

What caused the decline of European imperialism?

Colonies were costly to maintain and defend, and the long war exhausted Europe’s finances and will to fight.

What led the British to divide India into two states?

Religious riots broke out.

What was a common outcome of independence in Britain's African colonies?

They won independence peacefully.

How did Ghana achieve independence without war?

Nkrumah began to negotiate with the British for self-rule.

What belief did Nkrumah hold regarding Africa's governance?

He believed in pan-Africanism, where cooperation among African nations would lead to a better future.

Which African colony experienced a violent struggle for independence?

Kenya.

Who were the Mau Mau?

Displaced Kenyans who fought the British for independence.

How did Algeria achieve its independence?

After eight years of conflict, the French agreed to give Algeria its independence because the cost of war was too high.

What role did Cold War politics play in the new African nations?

The Soviet Union and the United States sometimes supported opposing sides in conflicts and power struggles.

What challenges did newly independent nations face?

Lack of education, experience in government, instability, corruption, limited industry, and ethnic divisions.

Why did newly independent African nations seek international aid?

They were depleted of resources during colonial times and could not adequately support their populations.

Why is oil a critical factor in Middle Eastern conflicts?

It is a highly valuable resource that many groups and nations seek to control.

How does nationalization reflect anti-Western sentiments?

It may be seen as a response to Western interference in regional industries like oil.

How can fundamentalism lead to conflict?

Fundamentalists may become extremists who do not tolerate differing beliefs and may use violence to impose their views.

What hindered the Arab Spring from leading to meaningful change?

Protesters often lacked a viable plan for transitioning to democracy and faced military resistance.

What was the U.S. rationale for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Afghanistan: to target al Qaeda; Iraq: belief that its leader cooperated with al Qaeda and had weapons of mass destruction.

How did the Iranian Revolution alter the government structure?

It shifted from a secular government to one based on Islamic law.