1. Independence and New Nations in Asia
Decolonization
Independence and New Nations in Asia

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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.)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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