European powers experienced the disintegration of their colonial empires after World War II. Between 1947 and 1962, almost every colonial territory gained independence. New nations of Asia and Africa were deeply influenced by Western ideas and achievements. Causes. Modern nationalism and belief in self-determination and racial equality, spread from intellectuals to the masses in virtually every colonial territory after WWI. Decline of European prestige Cold War Politics Japanese victories in Asia over European colonial powers inspired colonies to rise up against their European colonial masters Destruction of Europe during WWII made the colonial powers vulnerable to nationalistic sentiments in Asia and Africa After 1945, European powers were more concerned about rebuilding Europe thus their colonies became less of a priority

India played a key role in decolonization and the decline of imperialism. Indian National Congress: British had no choice but to develop a native political elite that could assist in ruling such huge country. Exposure of young Indians to Western ideas of nationalism, socialism, and democracy led to demands for independence by the early 20 th century. Mohandas K. Gandhi ( ): after WWI he led the independence movement through the principle of passive resistance (civil disobedience) Jawaharlal Nehru ( ) led the Congress party in its push for independence Prime Minister Clement Attlee and others in the Labour party wished to focus on domestic British affairs. Lord Louis Mountbatten: appointed to supervise transition of India to independence India was divided into two nations: India (which was predominantly Hindu) and Pakistan (predominantly Muslim)

After Japan was removed after WWII, the French tried to reassert control of Indochina (including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) Ho Chi Minh led the independence movement in the north 1954, defeated French forces at Dien Bien Phu 1954, Vietnam was divided into North (communist) and South (pro-Western); a civil war resulted The U.S. was eventually defeated in its attempt to prevent the communist takeover of South Vietnam Vietnam was unified in 1975 and free of western influence

Arab nationalists were loosely united by opposition to colonialism and migration of Jews to Palestine Balfour Declaration in 1917 indicated Britain favored creation of Jewish “national home” in Palestine—opposed by Saudi Arabia & Transjordan Great Britain announced its withdrawal from Palestine in United Nations voted for the creation of two states, one Arab and one Jewish Palestinians vowed to fight on until Israel was destroyed or until they established own independent Palestinian state Led to several wars and numerous conflicts in late 20 th century 1948,1954,1967,1974 (last major war), intafada and terrorism since

Egypt Arab defeat in 1948 by Israel triggered a successful nationalist revolution in Egypt in 1952 that effectively ended British control of Egypt 1956, Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, the last symbol and substance of Western power in the Middle East. France, Britain and Israel attacked Egypt, trying to take back control of Suez Canal U.S. and Soviet Union demanded their withdrawal and the canal remained in Egypt's control

Algeria’s large French population considered Algeria an integral part of France and did not want the colony to become independent. A bitter war broke out between France and Algerian nationalists. Civil war breaks out in 1954 between Algerian nationalists led by the National Liberation Front and the French – the war divides French opinion and does not end until 1962 Under General Charles de Gaulle, France eventually grants Algeria independence in 1962 Charles de Gaulle, who had returned to power as part of movement to keep Algeria French, accepted principle of Algerian self- determination. 1962, after more than a century of French rule, Algeria became independent and the European population quickly fled. Crisis led to the all of the French Fourth Republic and beginning of the Fifth Republic

Decolonization proceeded much more smoothly than in northern Africa British Commonwealth of Nations: Beginning in 1957, Britain’s colonies achieved independence with little or no bloodshed; entered a very loose association with Britain. Exception: Mau Mau society were a Kenyan group of terrorists/freedom fighters who fought to end English control of Kenya

The British, noticing the costs of maintaining an empire and wanting to avoid conflict, start withdrawing from their colonies 1948 – Burma and Sri Lanka become independent / British withdraw from Palestine 1957 – Ghana becomes independent 1960 – Nigeria becomes independent British withdraw from Cyprus, Kenya, and Aden under pressure from militant movements Withdrawal has led to poverty and instability in Africa, but stability and economic growth in Asia

1958, De Gaulle offered leaders of French black Africa a choice of total break with France or immediate independence within a kind of French commonwealth. All but one of new states chose association with France. Cultural imperialism continued France and Common Market partners saw themselves as continuing their civilizing mission in black Africa. Desired markets for industrial goods, raw materials, outlets for profitable investment, and good temporary jobs for their engineers and teachers.

The Battle of Algiers: