1. Modern Independence Movements (WWI Aftermath)

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 5-minute Response
How did WWI directly influence nationalism and independence movements in the colonial world?