Independence and New Nations in Asia Decolonization Independence and New Nations in Asia

Decolonization Just as Columbus had set off a period of European expansion and colonialism in the 1500s, this era came to an end in the 1900s India is the biggest nation to gain its independence, but there are many others in Asia (and in Africa and elsewhere)

Nationalism Nationalism is the belief that a group of people who share an identity (based on language, history, identity, religion, etc…) are a “nation” and should govern themselves This is a relatively new idea in the 1900s The Paris Peace Conference after WWI contributed by recognizing the right to “self-determination” for people in Europe But not for people in Asia or Africa

In India The British and other Europeans had started to set up trading posts in the 1500s The British took formal control of India in the 1800s The “jewel” of the British Empire

Indian Resistance Starts in the late 1800s with the formation of the Indian National Congress Continues over the next few decades –unifying the 2 main religions: Hinduism and Islam

WWI Strengthens Resistance India had sent soldiers to fight for Britain in World War I on the promise of independence when the war was over That didn’t happen The Indian natives grew more resentful of being taken advantage of by the British

Gandhi Amristar Massacre Protesting a law that allowed for the jailing of protestors for 2 yrs w/o a trial – 10,000 Hindus and Muslims – fasting/praying & giving speeches 10 minutes of shooting into the crowd w/o warning 400 killed, 1200 injured Gandhi becomes the leader of resistance to the British Becomes known for “satyagraha” or “truth-force” Indian version of civil disobedience Boycotted British goods Strikes affected train schedules, factory production and filled the jails Salt March 1935 Gov’t of India Act

World War II Like in World War I, India fought alongside the British More than 2 million Indian soldiers served with the British Army

Beginning of the End World War II is the beginning of the end for European empires in Asia Japan demolishes the myth of the “superior European” European economies are devastated by the war There is a new superpower in town (the U.S.)

So England Decides That they have too many problems at home They don’t have time or resources to worry about their colonies Gandhi has become successful in changing much of world opinion

India the British Colony Tensions between Hindus and Muslims grew and resulted in violent riots Will become two independent nations India (primarily Hindu) Pakistan (primarily Muslim) Independence begins in 1947

Partition Was a complicated and sometimes ugly process Two new governments (India and Pakistan) had to emerge in a short time to rule hundreds of millions of people Perhaps 10 million people were on the move (Muslims to Pakistan, Hindus to India)

Violence Breaks Out Hindus and Muslims riot across the country Perhaps 1 million people die in the transition Including Gandhi, who argues for tolerance and is killed in 1948 by a Hindu extremist

Kashmir Was one of the points of tension between India and Pakistan They fought a war over the region in 1947 and again in 1972 Tensions continue today

India’s First President Is Jawaharlal Nehru Nehru had been a member of the Indian National Congress He was also an ally of Gandhi’s He would lead India for 17 years and members of his family would continue to rule for much of the period until 1989

An Important Country Upon its independence, India was immediately an important nation 7th largest in terms of area 2nd in population Most populous democracy in the world 10th largest economy in the world (2012) India and Pakistan today both possess nuclear weapons as well