The British Empire in the 20th Century: Nationalism Around the World (1919-1939)

The British Empire in the 20th Century and Nationalism (1919-1939)

• Focus Question: How was the British Empire challenged after World War I?
  • Analysis Questions:
  1. Why did British rule in Egypt and the Middle East come to an end?
  2. How did the people of India pursue and achieve self-rule?
  3. How did the British respond to calls for independence throughout their empire?
  4. How did ideas about modern nationalism manifest in Turkey and Persia?
  5. How did World War I change Africans' attitudes towards colonial governments?

Egypt

• Historical Context: British control since 1882; Egypt was officially part of the Ottoman Empire but became a protectorate in 1914.
• 1922: Protectorate status ends; the independence movement grows.
• Anglo-Egyptian Treaty:
  • Key Terms: British troops remain in Egypt, especially to protect the Suez Canal (10,000 troops).
  • British trains the Egyptian Army, treaty lasts for 20 years.
• 1935: Italy invades Ethiopia, heightening British concerns about their interests in Egypt.

The Middle East

• Mandates Established:
  • Transjordan, Iraq, Palestine = British mandates
  • Syria and Lebanon = French mandates
• Independence:
  • Transjordan gains independence; Iraq becomes independent in 1932.
  • Palestine remains under British control due to strategic importance (Suez Canal and Oil).
• Zionism:
  • Founded by Theodore Herzl; aimed to establish a Jewish state in Palestine.
  • Balfour Declaration (1917): British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
  • White Paper (1922): Limited Jewish immigration to Palestine to avoid conflict with Arabs.

Turkey

• Post-WWI: Ottoman Empire loses territories; Turkish National Movement emerges.
• Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk):
  • Leads nationalists against Greek invasion in 1919.
  • Establishes Republic of Turkey in 1923; implements extensive reforms to modernize the nation.
  • Separates religion from state, implements a new legal system, and promotes women's rights.

India

• Nationalist Movement:
  • Mohandas Gandhi rises to prominence; promotes non-violent resistance against British rule.
• Rowlatt Acts (1919):
  • Allowed jailing of protestors without trial, leading to widespread dissent.
• Amritsar Massacre (1919): British troops fire on peaceful protesters, leading to increased anger toward British rule.
• Civil Disobedience Movement:
  • Gandhi encourages Indians to boycott British goods and institutions.
  • Successful Salt March (1930): Protest against British salt laws, gaining international attention and support for Indian independence.
• Government of India Act (1935): Limited self-government and elections, but not full independence.

Persia (Iran)

• Reza Shah Pahlavi:
  • Comes to power after a coup in 1921, modernizes Persia, which becomes Iran in 1935.
  • Established public schools, infrastructure, and women's rights but retained personal power.

Africa

• Rise of Nationalism:
  • Many nations sought independence after WWI; key figures include Nnamdi Azikiwe (Nigeria), Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), and Léopold Senghor (Senegal).
• Impact of WWI:
  • African soldiers sought recognition and rights after serving; the gap between Western ideals and colonial practice became glaring.
• Political Movements:
  • Growth of organized protests against colonialism, and the influence of Western education, leading to a desire for reform and independence.

Summary of Key Events and Figures

• Gandhi: Leader of Indian independence through non-violent civil disobedience.
• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Founder of modern Turkey; significant reforms to secularize and modernize the nation.
• Zionism: Movement towards establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine, shaped by documents like the Balfour Declaration.
• African Nationalist Leaders: Including Azikiwe, Kenyatta, and Senghor promoting independence and highlighting cultural heritage.

Questions for Review

• Discuss the end of British rule in Egypt and the Middle East.
• Explain how India sought self-rule.
• Describe British responses to independence movements in their colonies.
• Characterize the manifestation of nationalism in Turkey and Persia.
• Analyze the impact of WWI on African attitudes towards colonial rule.