Modern Independence Movements (WWI Aftermath)

V. Nationalism in the Colonies Around WWI, people of the colonies begin to question status quo To aid in the war, many colonies were industrialized India became largest industrial sector of colonized world Colonies had foundations of independent economy Troops and administrative leaders called home for war effort Left native peoples to fill leadership/administrative void Europeans made promises to colonies in return for war support – often ignored or went back on promises afterwards Devastation of WWI cast doubt on racial superiority theory Social/economic problems in colonies made it easier to mobilize protests

II. India’s Move Towards Independence Key themes of movement Western-educated elite (upper-classes) become leaders Charismatic leaders spread message to masses Reliance on non-violent forms of protest National Congress party plants seeds of change Started in 1885 with British consent– method of communication to prevent protest Ineffective at first Focused on elites, no support of the masses Few, if any, full-time members, loyal to British Gradually realized they were treated in racist manner Poor salaries, limited opportunities for advancement

II. Continued… Main problems in India Drain of Indian resources Indian money spent for British wars or pay for British government Decline in food production to make cash crops for Britain Spread of the Nationalist Struggle India tired of supporting Britain during WWI British promised India eventual independence if they helped war effort Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) - Indians could control issues in provinces Rowlatt Act (1919)– restricted civil rights; fueled protests, anger

VI. Continued… Gandhi Appealed to educated and the poor masses, moderates and radicals Indian tradition of following mystics Western-educated lawyer from prominent family Nonviolent but aggressive methods of protest Peaceful boycotts, strikes, noncooperation, mass demonstrations Satyagraha – term given to his methods, means “truth force” Weakened British control British could not legitimately employ superior weapons Brought negative press to British from international community

5-Minute Response What is your opinion concerning the ideas and methods of Gandhi? Do you think he should have done things differently? Do you think his ideas and methods could be applied to today? Explain your reasoning.

III. Rise of Nationalism in Middle East Egypt is prime example – revolt in 1919 Egyptian peasantry decimated by war Resources drained to feed soldiers protecting Suez Canal Food shortages, starvation, confiscation of animals Newly formed Wafd party became focus for unified action Ignored at post-WWI peace talks Riots began across nation Started by students Women joined – some western educated, some wearing veils Eventually Brits regain control, but foundation laid British eventually leave between 1922 and 1936 Egypt spent next 30 years spiraling into chaos

IV. Beginning of African Liberation Educated Africans initially loyal to British/French WWI changed that Rebellions due to forced recruitment/labor Populations starved to feed soldiers Merchants suffer from shipping shortages Britain doesn’t come through on all promises after WWI– jobs and public honors denied to those that particpated Attempted to create pan-African movement Leaders based outside of Africa – in U.S., Caribbean (W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey) Failed to address all colonial challenges, but did arouse anti-colonial sentiments New political organizations formed, attempted to rally masses Africa will face long road to complete independence

5-minute Response How did WWI directly influence nationalism and independence movements in the colonial world?