Decolonization and the creation of new states

Decolonization and New States

Conflict and Boundaries

  • Decolonization created approximately 80 new states in the 20th century.
  • Imperial powers drew colonial boundaries to benefit themselves, often leading to conflict in newly independent states.
Partition of India (1947)
  • India's independence was negotiated, but the partition into India and Pakistan led to violence.
  • The Muslim League pushed for a separate state (Pakistan) due to concerns about fair treatment in a Hindu-majority India.
  • Partition resulted in mass migrations and violence, with over 12 million people migrating and over 500,000 deaths.
  • Conflict arose over Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region bordering Pakistan with a Hindu ruler and valuable resources.
  • India's declaration of Kashmir as their territory led to conflict with Pakistan, mediated by the UN, but the vote on territorial outcome never occurred.
Creation of Israel (1948)
  • Palestine, formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, was transferred to Great Britain under the mandate system.
  • Zionism promoted Jewish migration to Palestine to create a Jewish state.
  • The Balfour Declaration supported making Palestine a home for Jews, resisted by Arab Muslims.
  • Increased Jewish migration during WWII heightened tensions.
  • The UN partitioned Palestine into Jewish and Arab states; Jews declared independence in 1948.
  • Palestinians resisted, leading to conflicts with Israelis supported by neighboring Arab states; the region remains in conflict.

Economic Policies in Newly Independent States

  • Governments played a significant role in directing economies after independence.
Egypt under Gamal Abdul Nasser
  • Nasser used Cold War rivalry to gain support for Egypt's economic development.
  • Nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956.
  • Completed the Aswan High Dam in 1970, providing electricity and irrigation.
  • Initiated social welfare reforms, including free schooling and healthcare.
India under Indira Gandhi
  • Implemented five-year socialist economic plans.
  • Adopted the Green Revolution, increasing harvest yields and agricultural self-sufficiency.
  • Nationalized key industries, regulated others, increased taxes on the wealthy, and implemented a 20-point economic plan.

Migration to Metropoles

  • Former colonial subjects migrated to the imperial country (metropole) due to cultural and economic connections.
  • South Asians migrated to Great Britain, Algerians to France, and Filipinos to the United States in search of work.
  • Mass migration transformed metropoles into multi-ethnic societies, maintaining cultural and economic ties.