Anushka Vakil

Period 4
4/1/4/16
Chapter 39 Outline

The End of Empire

During and after the Cold War, decolonization led to the creation of nearly 90 new nations and
major shifts in global power. No longer were Russia and the United States the only players in the
competition for global supremacy. However, many nations were still forced to chose between
democracy and communism, in order to keep the balance of nuclear power. Societies were forced
to choose between tradition and development, and their decisions changed the course of history.

How did countries achieve independence in Asia?

Asian territories were either under the rule of local colonial powers or imperial powers such as
Great Britain. The Asian independence movement created new countries such as Cambodia,
Laos, and Vietnam. Most of the independence efforts were extremely successful and brought an
end to empire in Asia.

Analyze the effects of Indian independence

After Mohandas Gandhi successfully led India to independence during WWII, the state
became divided in two. Muslims, a minority in India, felt that they would be given little
rights under a Hindu government and called for the creation of separate Hindu and
Muslim states. Gandhi strongly opposed Muslim independence, condemning it as a
vivisection of India. Shortly before his assassination, however, Indian divided itself
into Muslim Pakistan and Hindu India. Conflict raged on between the two states, as
Pakistan allied itself with the United States and India allied itself with the Soviet Union.
Soon, another policy became favorable to prime minister Nehru: nonalignment with
either country.
Analyze Vietnams struggle for independence

The Japanese invasion of Vietnam successfully released it from French and communist
leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence. Wanting to prove they could not be so easily
defeated, France invaded Vietnam and captured Saigon. However, with the aid of China,
nationalist forces were able to push back on the France, dividing the country in half. At
the Geneva Conference, Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel but the leaders elected in
South Vietnam proved to be unpopular with the public. As a result, conflict dragged on
until 1973.

In what ways did Arab states gain their independence and what were the consequences?

Weakened by WWII, Britain and France quickly lost their territories in Arabia, leading to
the formation of new Arab states. However, one area in particular, Palestine, did not
achieve a quick and easy independence. During the early 1900s the British had promised
Palestine to both Arabs and Zionist Jews. Taking up the British on their promise,
thousands of Jews migrated to Palestine, and came into direct conflict with the Arabs who
had been living there. In 1947, Palestine was divided into two states, Jewish Israel and a
small section known as the West Bank that belonged to the Arabs. Gamal Nesser, prime
minster of Egypt, strongly opposed Israel and was dedicated to destroying the state.

What struggles did Africa face when it underwent decolonization?

Unlike in many other parts of the world, European states still had a strong grip on Africa, which
made decolonization a much lengthier process. Additionally, differences in ethnicity and culture
among African tribes, all of which were exploited by the Europeans, caused conflict in the
creation of new states. These cultural barriers remained even when imperial powers retreated,
and unification often provoked violence.
How did North Africa gain freedom from France?

Determined to retain Algeria as a French territory, France focused most of it military

strength in Algeria and allowed every one of its other colonies to gain independence. In
1954, a peaceful Algerian revolt became violent and led to the death of nearly 8,000
Algerians. Algerian soldiers retaliated with brutal guerilla warfare, forcing France to send
half a million soldiers to Algeria. Nevertheless, Algeria gained its independence in 1962.

Analyze black nationalism in Africa

African nationalism was heavily present even when the continent was controlled by
European colonists. The movement celebrated nergitude, or blackness, and African roots.
However, Africans faced many difficulties becoming nationalized states. Imperial powers
believed that blacks were incapable of ruling their own states and they interfered often on
the basis of preventing communism.

How did colonies in sub-Saharan Africa gain their independence?

One the first sub-Saharan countries to gain its independence was Ghana. Kwame
Nkrumah, a political activist, was jailed repeatedly for his support of African nationalism.
When he was released, however, Nkrumah became the first president of Ghana and built
friendly relations with Britain. In Kenya, unfortunately, relations were much more tense.
Europeans labelled the indigenous Kikuyu people as communists and gained American
support. After a bloody war, Kenya gained independence in 1963.

What challenges did new countries face after independence?

Many new nations faced a struggle to expand their economies and compete with more
industrialized nations. Additionally, the superpowers routinely attempted to control these nations,
halting progress. As a result, many new countries were faced with unstable governments.
However, a few like South Asia and India, were able to establish successful governments.
What conflicts arose between communist and democratic governments in Asia?

Mao led Chinas reunification, turning it into a Communist state. However, many of his
policies worsened existing problems, such as the Great Leap Forward. This revolution led
to a massive famine, that ironically ended up being a great leap backward. Mao also led
the Great Proletariat Cultural Revolution, which subjected millions to humiliation and set
back Chinese education. When Deng Xiaoping came to power, he was successfully able
to open China to foreign influence. In India, Indira Gandhi led Indias Green Revolution
to increase agricultural productivity. She also adopted a harsh policy of birth control,
which was unpopular among the public but proved to be a massive success.

What conflicts did Islamic nations undergo in their fight for independence?

After the Cold War, many Arab states remained divided and allied with the USSR or the
US (Israel). Peace with Israel seemed unlikely, as the Egypts president, Anwar Sadat,
was assassinated for attempting to do so. Arabian countries also underwent Islamism,
reviving Islamic ideals. This movement also caused deep resentment at the United States,
a precursor to numerous terrorist attacks. The Iranian Revolution made matters worse,
and led to 69 Americans taken hostage for over a year. Additionally, the war between Iran
and Iraq led to the death of 1 million soldiers.

What conflicts did Latin America face after WWII?

The Mexican Revolution helped create a constitution that guaranteed land and liberty to
Mexican peasants. However, Mexico was not the only state to adopt democracy. In
Argentina, power gradually shifted to a democratic government. Juan Peron and his wife
Eva were extremely popular and garnered the support of the people. Yet, after Perons
rule, three decades of military dictators followed. The US also interfered in Guatemala
and Nicaragua, where they replaced local governments with those who favored American
 interests. Latin Americas main struggle came in the form of economic stability, as it
depended heavily on US ventures.
Analyze nationalism in sub-Saharan Africa

The boundaries developed by industrialized nations during Africas colonial period

proved to be inviolable, and many states became dictatorships. In South Africa, the
economy prospered after WWII and many workers demanded an end to racial
segregation. Nelson Mandela and the ANC protested heavily against the apartheid system
and in 1994, Mandela become president. In Congo, after the first prime minster was
killed by the CIA, a new dictator came to power, plundering the economy. After his
assassination in 2001, no elections have been held. Today, Africa houses some of the
worlds poorest countries and lacks in technology and capital. However, it is rich in
natural resources.

Compare and contrast the independence movements of India and the Middle East post-WWII.

As the United States and Russia lost their global hegemony after WWII, many territories
underwent decolonization and formed independent states. The struggle for independence was as
present in the Middle East and India as in any part of the globe. Both areas of the world
ultimately achieved their independence, suffered massive casualties, and were assisted by the
United States. However, Middle Eastern countries successfully eliminated European influence,
are still involved in the war for Palestine, and have tensions with the United States. On the other
hand, India acquired its independence through nonviolence, fought a bloody battle with Pakistan,
and are on good terms with the United States.