Decolonization After World War II

The process by which colonies gained independence from their colonizers.

A document signed by Churchill and Roosevelt during World War II, which stated that the allied nations would not annex territories or interfere with the self-determination of nations.

A period of rapid decolonization in many Asian and African countries, largely due to conflicts among European powers, World Wars, and anti-colonial movements.

A country in South Asia that gained independence from British rule in 1948, originally colonized by the Portuguese and Dutch.

A country in Southeast Asia that gained independence after various kingdoms were unified.

An island nation in the Indian Ocean that gained independence after being under Portuguese and Dutch influence.

A period after World War I when Germany and Turkey's colonies were placed under the administration of the League of Nations, with some colonies being entrusted to England and France.

An international organization that played a key role in accelerating the process of decolonization in the 20th century.

Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, led the fight against British rule through peaceful resistance, culminating in India's independence.

The Maldives gained independence from British rule in 1965 after periods of influence by Portugal, the Netherlands, and the British.

Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule in 1948 after a period of British control that began in 1798.

Myanmar (Burma) gained independence from British rule in 1948 after several wars and periods of influence by the Portuguese and French.

The Bandung Conference, held in 1955, was the first conference of Asian countries with the aim of promoting Asian regionalism and cooperation.

European powers introduced education systems in African colonies to train local leaders, unknowingly contributing to the rise of nationalist sentiments and independence movements.

The independence movements in Africa gained momentum after World War II. England and France gradually granted more rights to African colonies, leading to the independence of many African nations from 1950 to 1965.

World War II provided a push for decolonization, increasing the desire for independence across Asia and Africa.

During World War II, Italy and Germany aggressively expanded their control in Africa. This prompted resistance from British and Indian soldiers.

The end of World War II saw the decline of colonial empires, enabling many Asian and African nations to gain independence.

The United States and the Soviet Union, the superpowers of the time, observed the independence movements and sought to influence these newly independent nations.

The defeat of Italy and Germany in World War II led to the loss of their colonial holdings in Africa.

The idea of a unified Africa was first proposed by H.S. Williams, who founded the African Association (later Pan-African Association) and organized the first Pan-African conference in 1900.

W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent American sociologist, championed the cause of African unity and organized several Pan-African Congresses, bringing the idea of Pan-African unity to the forefront of the movement.

Before World War I, most of Africa was under European control, except for Liberia and Ethiopia. The war significantly impacted Africa, as European powers engaged in conflicts on the continent, and African colonies contributed to the war effort.

Following World War I, European powers competed to acquire German colonies in Africa. The British colonies in Southern Africa were amalgamated into the Union of South Africa, and Egypt gained independence. These events marked the first steps toward decolonization in Africa.

The Second World War significantly advanced the decolonization process. Several countries, including Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Ghana, achieved independence during this period. Numerous French colonies in Africa also declared their independence.

Algerian fought a fierce struggle for independence, eventually achieving it in 1962. This event marked a significant milestone in the fight for African independence, as it highlighted the power of resistance and the desire for self-determination.

The merging of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania further exemplified the growing trend of African unity and the desire for self-governance.

Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States, proposed a plan for administering former German colonies as protectorates, with internal autonomy, after World War I.