Independence movements

Independence movements

• 1.
  Independence Movements of the20th Century
• 2.
  While the ColdWar Raged On… • Many colonies across the world wanted their independence. • After helping their mother countries fight in WWII, many areas felt they were entitled to their independence. • Some areas would try to break away using violent protests, some used non-violent, peaceful measures, and others used a combination of both. • Most important areas of independence movements in the 20th century… – India – breaking away from Great Britain – African nations like West Africa, Algeria, Kenya, and South Africa – Mandates in the Middle East – creation of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine
• 3.
  First, Let’s ChatAbout India • Indian sub-continent was one of 1st ancient civilizations • India became Great Britain’s most prized colony nearly 200 years. • After WWII, Indian independence movements increased dramatically • With the help of Mohandas Gandhi and his ideas of civil disobedience and passive resistance, the Indian independence movement quickly gained steam in the 30s and 40s – Used tactics like sit ins, peaceful protests, hunger strikes, etc. • Shortly after WWII, with the strong support of the Indian National Congress, India gained their independence. • Despite getting this, India still had many issues to work on as a nation.
• 4.
  The Division ofIndia • In the midst of trying to obtain their independence, it became very clear that the political division along Hindu-Muslim lines was a huge issue. • Two competing religious groups, both wanting more influence in the government, agreed it would be best to have separate countries. • Thus the Partition of India in 1947 created the independent state of India (after breaking away from Britain) and became mainly a Hindu state, and the independent state of Pakistan (which was mainly Muslim.)
• 5.
  The Division ofIndia Cont. • The new country of Pakistan was actually two physically separate regions that were governed together… East and West Pakistan. • Eventually in the 70s, East Pakistan broke away and renamed itself Bangladesh and the western portion is today known as Pakistan. • Today, India is the world’s largest democratic nation with a federal power system similar to the US’s where states have a lot of power. • Also island of Ceylon (off coast of India) gained independence and renamed itself Sri Lanka.
• 6.
  India in the20th Century • After Gandhi and the Independence movement in India was successful, India had a lot of work to do to catch up to most other modern nations. • One of Gandhi’s closest friends, Jawaharlal Nehru, would be the main supporter of western-style industrialization. • With his support, India was able to rewrite their Constitution in 1950 (which outlawed the Caste System.) • Ethnic, religious, and economic problems plagued India in it’s early years. • Recently, India has been able to ease their financial problems and has become a main economic producer in the world.
• 7.
  Moving On Overto Africa • After WWII, the UN was created and quickly advocated for colonial regions to have the right to self-determination (deciding their own government.) • Independence movements in Africa quickly developed and challenged European imperialism. • Africa nations felt entitled to their independence after helping their mother countries in WWI and WWII. • Most African cultures took much pride in their heritage and history, didn’t want Europeans to ruin that. • They were also very resentful of imperial rule and the economic exploitation that the European had done. • All of this would mean the development of violent and non- violent revolutions after WWII • Also would mean the loss of colonies by Great Britain, France, Belgium, and Portugal… soon after, many of these newly independent nations would be heavily influenced by the Cold War.
• 8.
  African Independence Movements •Nearly all African nations achieved their independence in the 20th century; most within the last 50 years. • Some were able to do this peacefully, others had to resort to violent protests. • Examples of African Independence Movements: – West Africa: peaceful transition of power and independence – Algeria – violent War of Independence from France – Kenya – combination of both… began as a peaceful, nonviolent situation… eventually became violent under the leadership of Jomo Kenyatta, who became the 1st elected President of Kenya. – South Africa – 50 year struggle of Black South Africans wanting equal rights in a country that fully relied on the apartheid system. • Apartheid – separation of races in all aspects of society – Nelson Mandela was main leader against apartheid and was jailed for being a political dissident. – Spent 29 years in prison (fighting for equality the whole time) and was finally released when apartheid was ended in 1990. – Went on to be elected as the first black president of South Africa.
• 9.
  Remember that MandateSystem? • Mandate system was established after WWI, but was phased out after WWII. – Established by the League of Nations – Created many conflicts (most religious) in the Middle East • With the end of mandates, new states were created in the Middle East… and new problems were created. – Syria and Lebanon broke away from France – Jordan and Palestine broke away Britain – Part of Palestine will become the new state of Israel. – Problems arose when these regions were divided up and rival ethnic and religious groups were put together in the same state/government. – Created tense situations that often boiled over into wars.
• 10.
  Important People toKnow… • Golda Meir – – 1st female Prime Minister of Israel – Initially was very unsuccessful, but eventually led Israel to a victory in the Yom Kippur Wars (religious conflict between Jews and Muslims in Israel) – Also created a strong relationship with the US • Gamal Abdul Nasser – – 2nd President of Egypt from 1956 – 1970 – Main influence is his handling of the Suez Canal Crisis – Egypt wanted to nationalize the canal (take control of it, France and Britain had control over it) – Had to fight a small war in 1956 that eventually forced the British, French, and Israeli out of the canal – Nasser also created a strong relationship with the USSR… yikes! – Other main accomplishment is the building of the Aswan High Dam… intended to create jobs, hydropower, etc. – Also created a lot of problems and cost a lot of money.