Decolonization/Independence movements in

Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

1920s – 1980s

OverviewBy the mid-20 th century,

many REGIONS in Africa, Asia & the Middle East had “freed” themselves from European Imperial dominance.

Decolonization is the term historians have used to

describe this process

What happened?

European withdrawal Revolutions overthrew Europeans

Non-violent Independence Movements

Causes of Decolonization

Education & information acquired by Asians & Africans.

World WarsAsians & Africans questioned European superiority

War in the colonies

Nationalism!

DecolonizationMany different African and Asian

groups used a variety of ways to gain independence.

RESULTS of Decolonization Regions of the world became

“independent”; new nation-states were born

Problems remained (or were they caused by European imperialism?)

Economic dependency on the West and other regions of the

world.

the indigenous elite often replaced the colonial elite maintaining a large gap between rich and poor.

Tribal, racial, religious differences led to conflicts & wars

INDIAN PARTITION

Civil War in Nigeria Tribal-based

genocide in Rwanda

Civil War in Vietnam