Decolonization After 1900: AP World History Study Guide
Introduction
Greetings, future historians! Grab your monocles and pith helmets as we set off on an adventure through the fascinating, and sometimes chaotic, process of decolonization after 1900. Imagine this era as the world's dramatic breakup with colonialism—complete with lots of "You took my land!" and "I want my independence!" moments. 🌍✊
Defining Decolonization
Decolonization was the big "we're done here" moment for many colonies, especially after World War II. This trend saw European powers waving goodbye (often reluctantly) as they transferred control back to local populations. Decolonization wasn't just a political divorce; it was an all-encompassing process that brought social, economic, and cultural changes. You see, colonized peoples weren't content with just an annulment—they wanted to find their own identities and establish their own governments. It was kind of like a global coming-of-age story that led to the rise of many new nations in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
This monumental shift was driven by numerous factors: anti-colonial movements led by fiery leaders, powerful nationalist sentiments, and international pressure that made colonial powers feel like they were at a perpetual guilt party. However, just as you'd expect from any dramatic separation, the process was messy. Some nations parted ways peacefully, while others had long-lasting feuds that involved violent struggles for independence and subsequent challenges in achieving true political and economic autonomy.
Where Did Decolonization Movements Happen?
India 🇮🇳
The sun was setting on the British Empire, just like on their promises. After WWI, India was promised independence, but Britain apparently had its fingers crossed. Led by non-violent hero Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC), the movement for independence involved civil disobedience, hunger strikes, and a lot of philosophical quotes from Gandhi. Finally, in 1947, India gained independence and split into India and Pakistan—a partition that was about as painless as pulling out a deeply embedded splinter.
British Gold Coast (Ghana) 🇬🇭
Led by Kwame Nkrumah—Ghana’s very own charismatic leader who double-majored in Nationalism and Sass—Ghanaians boycotted British goods and refused to cooperate with the colonial authorities. This peaceful protest led to the establishment of the Convention People’s Party, and in 1957, Ghana achieved independence almost drama-free. Nkrumah has since been remembered as the guy who got his people freedom without having to resort to guerrilla tactics.
Kenya 🇰🇪
Unlike the peaceful movements in Ghana and India, Kenya's decolonization was like an action-packed thriller with lots of explosions. The story here featured the Mau Mau movement, spearheaded by the Kikuyu ethnic group, who fought British colonial rule with guerrilla warfare. Spoiler alert: it was bloody. The Mau Mau rebellion lasted from 1952 until 1960, resulting in considerable loss of life but eventually leading to Kenya’s independence in 1963.
Canada 🇨🇦
Not quite a decolonization story but more a tale of a house divided, the Quebecois separatist movement sought independence or, at a minimum, a stronger identity separate from the rest of Canada. These French nationalists wanted to create a mini-France within North America. Spoiler: they didn't succeed, and Quebec remains a part of Canada today, poutine and all.
French Indochina (Vietnam) 🇻🇳
Ho Chi Minh was the Beyoncé of decolonization: fiercely determined and unyielding. He transformed the Indochinese Communist Party into a nationalist force, pushing for Vietnamese independence from France. This was not a tea party; it was a grim, violent struggle. Eventually, the French had to pack their bags and leave, resulting in the establishment of an independent Vietnam.
French West Africa 🇫🇷
French West Africa shattered into multiple independent nations such as Senegal, Niger, and Mali. The French were treated to a lot of protests, which led to the loi-cadre—a law that allowed for local governance and eventually resulted in these regions gaining independence by 1960. It was like watching a group of rebellious teenagers who finally convinced their strict parents to let them stay out past curfew.
Algeria 🇩🇿
The Algerian independence movement was less "please, can we leave?" and more "Get out now!" The National Liberation Front (FLN) waged a fierce guerrilla war against French colonial rule, driving them out in 1962. This struggle resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Algerians and French citizens, making it one of the more violent decolonization stories. Alas, independence was won, but only after a gruesome and traumatic battle that continues to shape Algerian politics and identity.
Nigeria 🇳🇬
Similar to Canada, there was some family drama in Nigeria known as the Biafra secessionist movement. The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria wanted to break away and form their own state called Biafra. This sibling rivalry turned into a full-blown civil war from 1967 to 1970, marked by widespread famine and tragic casualties. Despite the intensity, Biafra was reintegrated into Nigeria by the end of the conflict.
Angola 🇦🇴
Inspired by the independence movements sweeping across Africa, Angola eventually declared independence from Portugal. Naturally, the Portuguese sent in troops, but a coup back home hampered these efforts. Still, the departure of the Portuguese left a power vacuum that led to the Angolan Civil War, which lasted until 2002. Guess what? Independence came with a healthy serving of internal conflict.
Key Study Points
Understanding which countries experienced peaceful negotiations or violent struggles for independence will help you categorize and remember the events more clearly. Here, have a look:
Countries that Negotiated Independence: French West Africa, Ghana, India
Countries that Warred for Independence: Angola, Kenya, Algeria
Secessionist Movements: Biafra, Quebecois
Fun Fact
Did you know that by the end of the 20th century, almost no territories remained colonized? It's like everyone collectively agreed that colonization was soooo last century.
Conclusion
Decolonization after 1900 was a complex, multifaceted process that reshaped the world. Whether through peaceful negotiations or violent uprisings, nations across the globe sought to regain control of their fate and destiny. Understanding these movements not only gives us insights into the past but also helps us comprehend many modern political and social dynamics. 🌍📚
Now, with the knowledge of these pivotal moments, you’re equipped to ace your AP World History exam and appreciate the many layers of global history!
