Decolonization copy

Decolonization Rundown (1900-Present)

Non-Aligned Movement

  • Definition: Group of countries rejecting alignment with major power blocs, specifically the U.S. or USSR.

  • Notable Leaders:

    • Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt)

    • Jawaharlal Nehru (India)

    • Josip Tito (Yugoslavia)

Overview: Nationalist Leaders & Independence

  • Key Nationalist Figures:

    • Mahatma Gandhi (India): Advocated for nonviolent methods to gain independence from British rule.

    • Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana): Promoted Pan-African unity and led Ghana to independence from British colonial rule.

    • Ahmed Ben Bella (Algeria): Favored violent resistance against French colonial authority.

    • Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam): Utilized guerrilla warfare against both French and U.S. forces.

    • Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt): Sought to diminish Western influence and nationalized the Suez Canal.

    • Nelson Mandela (South Africa): Led the anti-apartheid movement advocating for racial equality.

Nationalism in India

Context

  • British Raj: Period of British control over India from 1858–1947.

  • Indian Nationalism: Evolved in reaction to imperialistic policies characterized by racism, economic exploitation, and cultural domination.

Key Events in the Rise of Nationalism

  • Indian National Congress (INC): Founded in 1885, consisting mainly of Hindu leaders advocating for rights and self-rule.

  • Muslim League: Established in 1906 representing Muslim interests, which eventually pushed for the creation of a separate Muslim state.

  • Amritsar Massacre (1919): British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian protesters, marking a significant turning point in anti-British sentiment.

Context: Caste System

  • Definition: A hierarchical structure of social stratification and labor division in India.

  • Not exclusive to India, but it plays a significant role in societal division.

  • Higher caste members considerations: Good “Karma” from past lives.

  • Implications: Affects societal roles, with an emphasis on male, wealthy warriors being viewed favorably.

  • Consequences: Violations of caste norms can lead to social ostracization.

Indian Nationalism

  • Lack of rights for Indian people under British rule.

  • Amristar Massacre Details:

    • Public meetings were banned, leading to a large assembly on April 13, 1919.

    • British troops opened fire without warning, resulting in approximately 400 deaths.

Gandhi's Role

  • Mohandas Gandhi: Leader of the Indian Nationalist movement.

    • Promoted principles of non-violence and civil disobedience.

    • Rejected the caste system, advocating for equal rights among all, including women.

  • Timeline: India achieved independence in 1947, shortly before Gandhi's assassination.

Indian National Congress (INC)

  • Comprised primarily of Hindu professionals and business elites advocating for equal government representation.

  • Opposition: The Muslim League aimed to safeguard Muslim interests.

The Role of Gandhi

  • Gandhi’s Advocacy:

    • Promoted nationalism and civil disobedience as tools for independence.

    • Defined Nationalism: Pride in one’s nation and a desire for self-governance.

    • Defined Civil Disobedience: Peaceful refusal to comply with unjust laws.

Notable Campaigns

  • Salt March (1930):

    • Protest against British salt regulations; Gandhi led a march of thousands to collect salt from the sea.

  • Conducted boycotts of British products, schools, and laws.

  • United diverse Indian groups, transcending class and religious divides.

Additional Details About Gandhi

  • A civil rights activist focused on ending British oppression in India through civil disobedience for global awareness.

  • Developed the principle of Satyagraha ("truth force"), equating passive resistance with civil disobedience.

  • Influenced American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

  • Famed actions included Salt March, initiated on March 12, 1930, concluding on April 5, with an emphasis on self-sufficiency.

Dominant Figures

Jawaharlal Nehru

  • Key leader of the INC, became Prime Minister from 1947-1964 after being imprisoned seven times for independence efforts.

  • Co-founder