DecolonisationAmanda Williams

What is decolonisation?

The action of changing from colonial to independent status

The process in which a country that

was previously a colony (controlled by

another country) becomes politically independent

What were the causes of decolonisation?

• In the Second World War, the colonies had a decisive role in the conflict; combat had taken place in colonial territories and they had contributed to the war effort with manpower, raw materials

and production. As a consequence, they believed they had earned a right to self-determination.

• Nationalist ideas spread together with liberal and Marxist ideologies. The appearance of charismatic leaders such as

Mahatma Gandhi in India. Ho Chi Minh in Indochina and Sukarno in Indonesia strengthened these movements.

What were the causes of decolonisation?

• International support from intellectuals, Christian groups and the UN supported the notion of self-determination and the two world

super powers saw an opportunity to extend their areas of influence.

• The Conference of Bandung (1955) bought together twenty-nine decolonized countries in Asia and Africa. The conference

condemned colonialism and racism and denounced the system of blocs and support the idea of neutrality: this opened an opportunity for the movement of Non-Aligned Countries

Who is Mahatma Ghandi?

Mahatma Ghandi was born 2nd October 1869 and died 30th January 1948

Ghandi was the preeminent leader of Indian independence

movement in British-ruled India.

He employed nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to

independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

What were the consequences of decolonisation?

• Politics: the new countries had generally been created with arbitrary frontier and this caused conflict and civil war, giving way to dictatorial regimes, which were often violent and corrupt. In international politics, the new countries were relegated to secondary position

• Economy: many countries continued to depend on their old colonial connections or became reliant on the USA or the USSR. This brought a new form of covert colonialism known as neo-colonialism

• Society: strong demographic growth and a reduced economy led to a low standard of living for most of the population. This caused famine, malnutrition, medical deficiencies and analphabetism

• Decolonization of Asia and Africa occurred during 1945–1960

• Between 1945 and 1960, three dozen new states in Asia and Africa achieved autonomy or outright independence from their European

colonial rulers.

Harold MacMillan, British Prime Minister, helped begin decolonization

Basic information about The Cold War

The Cold War started in 1947 at the end of the Second World War and lasted until the dissolution of the Soviet Union on

December 26, 1991.

The Cold War is the name given to the relationship that developed primarily between the USA and the USSR after World War Two. The Cold War was to dominate international affairs for

decades and many major crises occurred

This war was unlike other wars in that the two sides never clashed directly in battle. The fear that the relationship would

end in nuclear war did not materialize.