08 Decolonization and the Postcolonial World Free Online FlashCards

What is decolonization?

Decolonization is the process by which colonized peoples ended foreign rule and established independent states.

Why did decolonization accelerate after the Second World War?

It accelerated after the Second World War as European empires weakened and nationalist movements grew through organizing, labor activism, education, and resistance to discrimination.

What did the UN affirm about self-determination?

The UN Charter affirmed self-determination. In 1960, the General Assembly declared that colonial rule should end and all peoples had the right to self-determination.

What different strategies did independence movements use?

Independence came through varied paths, including mass protest and negotiation as well as prolonged armed struggle.

What were two major consequences of India's 1947 independence?

India became independent in 1947 after decades of organizing and negotiation. British rule ended with partition into India and Pakistan, accompanied by mass displacement and communal violence.

How did Ghana achieve independence in 1957?

Political mobilization helped Ghana achieve independence in 1957.

How did Algeria gain independence from France?

Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after a violent war.

What marked the rapid decolonization of Africa?

Decolonization moved especially rapidly in Africa during the late 1950s and 1960s. Many new states joined the UN, strengthening international opposition to colonial rule.

Did decolonization end colonial administration everywhere?

Decolonization did not end everywhere: some territories remained under colonial administration, and the UN continues to monitor their status.

What did political independence not automatically guarantee?

Political independence did not automatically create stable institutions, national unity, or economic self-sufficiency.

How did colonial-era borders affect communities in some African states?

Colonial-era boundaries sometimes placed multiple communities in one state and divided others across borders; the effects varied by country.

What economic pattern did many new states inherit from colonial rule?

Colonial economies often emphasized exporting raw materials or cash crops instead of developing diverse industries for domestic needs.