7.1 Causes and processes of decolonization

Decolonization marked the end of European empires after World War II. Nationalist movements, weakened colonial powers, and global politics fueled independence struggles. Peaceful transitions and violent conflicts reshaped the world map.

The British Empire dissolved gradually, while French decolonization faced more resistance. Smaller European powers also relinquished their colonies. This process redefined international relations and empowered newly independent nations on the world stage.

Rise of Nationalism and Independence Movements

Emergence of Nationalist Ideologies

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• Nationalism fostered collective identity based on shared culture, language, and history
• Self-determination principle empowered colonized peoples to demand political autonomy
• Independence movements organized around nationalist leaders (Mahatma Gandhi, Kwame Nkrumah)
• Anti-colonial intellectuals developed ideologies of national liberation (Frantz Fanon, Aimé Césaire)
• Pan-African and Pan-Asian movements promoted solidarity among colonized peoples

Strategies for Achieving Independence

• Peaceful transitions occurred through negotiations and constitutional reforms (India, Ghana)
• Non-violent resistance tactics included civil disobedience and boycotts (Salt March in India)
• Violent struggles erupted when peaceful methods failed (Kenya's Mau Mau Uprising, Vietnam War)
• Guerrilla warfare tactics adopted by some independence movements (Algeria's FLN)
• International pressure and diplomatic efforts supported decolonization processes

Impact of World War II and Global Politics

World War II's Catalytic Effect

• World War II weakened European colonial powers economically and militarily
• Colonial subjects' participation in the war effort raised expectations for independence
• Atlantic Charter of 1941 affirmed the right of all peoples to choose their form of government
• Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia undermined European colonial authority
• Post-war reconstruction in Europe diverted resources away from colonial administration

Shifting Global Power Dynamics

• United Nations provided a forum for newly independent nations to voice concerns
• UN trusteeship system replaced League of Nations mandates, promoting self-government
• Cold War rivalry between US and USSR influenced decolonization processes
• Superpowers courted newly independent nations for strategic alliances (Non-Aligned Movement)
• Economic factors including the cost of maintaining empires accelerated decolonization

Decolonization of European Empires

British Empire's Gradual Dissolution

• India's independence in 1947 marked the beginning of British decolonization
• Partition of India created two sovereign states (India and Pakistan)
• British granted independence to African colonies in waves (Ghana 1957, Nigeria 1960)
• Peaceful transitions predominated in British decolonization (Exceptions: Kenya, Malaya)
• Commonwealth of Nations established to maintain ties with former colonies

French Decolonization Struggles

• Indochina War (1946-1954) led to independence of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
• Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) became a protracted and violent conflict
• French Union replaced the colonial empire but failed to prevent independence movements
• West African colonies gained independence peacefully (Senegal, Ivory Coast)
• French Community established in 1958 as an association of former colonies

End of Smaller European Empires

• Suez Crisis of 1956 demonstrated the waning power of European colonial nations
• Dutch decolonization included the traumatic loss of Indonesia (1945-1949)
• Belgian Congo gained independence in 1960, followed by a period of instability
• Portuguese Colonial War (1961-1974) ended with the fall of the Estado Novo regime
• Spanish and Italian colonies in Africa achieved independence by the 1970s