State building after decolonization 8.6

Overview of Decolonization

• Decolonization in the 20th century led to the emergence of approximately 80 new states.

• Colonial powers often designed boundaries to benefit themselves rather than the local populations, leading to complex issues post-independence.

Example 1: The Partition of India (1947)

• India gained independence through negotiated means rather than armed conflict, largely led by figures like Gandhi.

• Despite peaceful negotiations, the partition resulted in significant violence due to existing tensions between Hindus and Muslims.

• Partition Details:

  • India was divided into two states: predominantly Hindu India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.

  • Millions were displaced due to the new boundaries, leading to communal violence and massive migrations:

  • Over 12 million people migrated between the two states.

  • Over 500,000 deaths occurred due to violence during this period.

• After the partition, the region of Kashmir became a focal point for conflict:

  • Kashmir had a Muslim majority, causing tension with Pakistan, which sought to claim it.

  • The ruler of Kashmir was a Hindu, complicating the territorial claims.

  • UN involvement aimed to facilitate a vote on Kashmir's future, which never took place, leaving the region embroiled in ongoing conflict.

Example 2: The Creation of Israel (1948)

• The Zionist movement led to increased Jewish migration to Palestine, particularly post-Holocaust.

• Key Events:

  • The Balfour Declaration promised a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.

  • Arabs opposed this influx and perceived colonial imposition.

  • In 1947, the UN proposed partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, a plan accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Palestinians.

• Conflict ensued almost immediately post-independence, with Palestinians resisting Israeli control, leading to ongoing strife and multiple wars throughout the 20th century.

Economic Developments Post-Independence

• Newly independent states often directed their own economic policies:

  • Example 1: Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser

  • Nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956, asserting Egypt's control.

  • Oversaw the Aswan High Dam project, enhancing electricity and irrigation capabilities.

  • Implemented social welfare reforms: free schooling and healthcare.

  • Example 2: India under Indira Gandhi

  • Faced an economic crisis post-partition as a result of conflicts with Pakistan.

  • Introduced socialist economic plans, including:

    • The Green Revolution to boost agricultural outputs.

    • Nationalization of key sectors and banks to stabilize the economy.

    • Tax reforms targeting the wealthy to reduce inflation and increase production.

Migration Trends Post-Decolonization

• Many individuals from newly independent states migrated to the former imperial metropoles for economic opportunities:

• metropoles: designated the territory of the imperial country in distinction from their colonial holdings during the age of imperialism

  • Examples include South Asians moving to Great Britain, Algerians to France, and Filipinos to the United States.

  • over the long history of colonialism imperial states and their colonies developed, cultural and economic connections with one another so even if the presence of the imperial power was unwelcome in a colony, the colonial people grew familiar with the customs and culture of that occupying power

  • due to the various economic difficulties faced in those newly independent states during decolonization, some people chose to migrate to the cities of those Metropoles to find work

• This migration reshaped demographics of metropoles, fostering multi-ethnic societies while maintaining cultural and economic ties between countries.