7.5

Unresolved Tensions After World War I

• Economic and Political Control: Post-war, European powers expanded colonial control while anti-imperial resistance grew in Asia and Africa. Nations sought self-determination, contrasting with imperial goals.

• Effects of World War I: The U.S. benefitted economically, while European nations faced devastation. The war ignited nationalist movements in colonies, with soldiers believing in their contributions towards independence.

• Propaganda and Local Rebellions: Colonial soldiers' experience raised expectations but localized rebellions occurred without major uprisings. For instance, the revolt in French West Africa highlighted colonial obligations.

• Self-Determination Failures: Despite the hope fueled by Wilson's Fourteen Points, colonial territories received no autonomy. The League of Nations' mandate system perpetuated colonial control over rival claims.

• Middle Eastern Mandates: The division of Ottoman territories into mandates infuriated Arab populations, contradicting earlier self-rule promises. The Balfour Declaration supported Jewish settlement in Palestine.

• Anti-Colonial Sentiments in India: The Indian National Congress evolved into a strong independence movement, spurred by events like the Amritsar Massacre, which radicalized public opinion against British rule.

• Gandhi's Leadership: Gandhi promoted civil disobedience and mass movements for independence, including the Salt March, advocating against British injustices.

• Muslim-Hindu Tensions: Jinnah proposed a two-state solution, fearing Muslim interests would be overshadowed in a predominantly Hindu India.

• Nationalism in East Asia: Korea (March First Movement) and China (May Fourth Movement) showcased growing nationalism and rejection of Western imperialism, leading to shifts toward communism.

• Japanese Expansion: Japan's invasion of Manchuria (1931) and subsequent actions established a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, disguised as liberation but perceived as conquest.

• Resistance in Africa: African intellectuals and workers initiated strikes against colonial policies, seeking independence and rights, but faced strong opposition from colonial governments.

• Key Themes and Figures: Resistance movements (e.g., Pan-Arabism, Indian National Congress, May Fourth Movement), influential leaders (Gandhi, Jinnah, Mao Zedong, Chiang Kai-shek), and key terms (mandate system, civil disobedience, Amritsar Massacre).