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Questions and Answers
Which country achieved independence through unilateral action by the British in 1922?
Which country achieved independence through unilateral action by the British in 1922?
What was the main factor that delayed true independence for Egypt until 1956?
What was the main factor that delayed true independence for Egypt until 1956?
Which two territories gained independence in 1946 after the end of French mandate?
Which two territories gained independence in 1946 after the end of French mandate?
Which country was the first to officially gain independence from British control in the Arabian Peninsula?
Which country was the first to officially gain independence from British control in the Arabian Peninsula?
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What significant event occurred in Palestine in 1948?
What significant event occurred in Palestine in 1948?
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What played a significant role in the emergence of nationalist movements in colonized regions after World War II?
What played a significant role in the emergence of nationalist movements in colonized regions after World War II?
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Which factor contributed to the decreased support for colonization from the metropolis after World War II?
Which factor contributed to the decreased support for colonization from the metropolis after World War II?
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What international development post-World War II influenced the decolonization movement?
What international development post-World War II influenced the decolonization movement?
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How did the Cold War context affect the process of decolonization?
How did the Cold War context affect the process of decolonization?
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What underlying ideological change contributed to the critique of colonialism from the metropolis?
What underlying ideological change contributed to the critique of colonialism from the metropolis?
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Study Notes
Causes of Decolonization
- World War II created the conditions for national liberation movements from obtaining their goals
- The Soviet Revolution instilled hope that through revolutionary means people could gain colonial liberation
- Indigenous elites educated in Europe became the first groups of nationalists, seeking independence and the formation of new nations within a new international system.
- The economic costs of maintaining colonies outweighed the benefits for colonial powers.
- World War II created a new international equilibrium, where the former colonial powers lost influence to the emerging superpowers, the USA and the USSR.
- Both superpowers adopted an anti-colonialist stance, supporting decolonization and expanding their influence in new countries.
- The 1945 United Nations Charter declared the equality of all peoples and recognized the right to self-determination.
- The United Nations became a forum for the independence of colonized peoples.
Types of Nationalist Movements
- Groups led by communist parties: Indochina and Indonesia.
- Movements with strictly nationalist ideology.
- Movements with religious identity as a fundamental component of their nationalism.
Decolonization in the Middle East
- Egypt gained independence in 1922, but British influence remained strong until Nasser's leadership in the 1950s.
- Iraq was officially independent by 1932, but experienced strong independence agitation against the British mandate.
- Syria and Lebanon gained independence in 1946 with the end of the French mandate.
- The UK lost Palestine with the creation of Israel in 1948.
- In 1949, Transjordan became Jordan, after annexing East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
- British influence in the Arabian Peninsula dates back to the 19th century, with treaties with local leaders.
- Saudi Arabia (1932) and North Yemen (1918) were the first countries in the Arabian Peninsula to gain independence.
- Oman gained independence in 1951, but Britain maintained significant influence until 1970.
- In 1968, Britain announced plans to withdraw from the Persian Gulf by 1971, leading to the formation of the UAE.
Decolonization in the Maghreb
Morocco
- French colonial policy was significantly influenced by the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu (1954) and the Bandung Conference (1955).
- In 1956, Morocco gained independence after negotiations between the French government and Moroccan nationalists.
- Morocco's monarchy has attempted to modernize and reform the country, but with questionable human rights practices.
Libya
- After World War II, the future of Libya remained unclear.
- The UN granted Libya independence in 1951, with King Idris consolidating power.
- In 1969, Colonel Gaddafi seized power through a coup d'état, implementing a socialist regime known as YAMAHIRIYA.
- After the discovery of oil in 1959, Gaddafi nationalized oil and created the National Oil Company.
- Libya's economy heavily relies on oil exports.
Tunisia
- France established a protectorate over Tunisia in 1881.
- Habib Bourguiba, leader of the Neo-Destur party, gained power in the 1930s.
- Tunisia gained full independence in 1956, with Bourguiba as Prime Minister.
- Bourguiba established a republic in 1957.
- In 1987, General Zine El Abidine Ben Ali seized power and ruled until the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011.
Algeria
- Algeria was directly administered by France, serving as an important agricultural area.
- The Algerian decolonization process was marked by a violent conflict between Algerian nationalists and French settlers and the administration.
- The National Liberation Front (FLN) launched a declaration of independence in 1954, leading to a civil war.
- General de Gaulle recognized Algeria's right to self-determination in 1959.
- The Evian Accords were signed in 1962, granting Algeria independence.
- Ben Bella became Algeria's president in 1963, implementing agrarian reforms.
- Boumedienne seized power in 1965, establishing state control over the oil industry and maintaining close relations with the Soviet block.
Decolonization in MENA
- The ideal of Arab unity materializes in the League of Arab States (1945), but their actions are generally ineffective.
- The Egyptian Revolution of 1952 and Nasser's presidency (1954) encouraged a movement of popular anti-Western nationalism.
- Since the 1950s, the region has been divided between pro-Western countries with conservative regimes and populist/socialist movements.
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Description
Explore the key factors that led to the decolonization movements post-World War II. This quiz covers the impact of global events, revolutionary ideals, and the role of new international powers. Test your understanding of how these elements shaped the quest for independence around the world.
