Post-World War II Nationalist and Separatist Movements in Europe

Introduction

• Post-WWII, Europe did not enjoy complete peace due to nationalist and separatist movements.
• Nationalism: Solidarity among people sharing language and culture, often leading to desires for independent states.

Nationalist Movements

Chechen Nationalist Movement

• Location: Southernmost region of Russia
• Background: Anti-Russian sentiment due to historical conflicts.
• Timeline:
  • 1991: Chechnya declared independence post-Soviet Union collapse.
  • 1994-2017: Series of conflicts between Chechens and Russia resulting in over 100,000 deaths.
  • Outcome: Russian victory, Chechnya part of Russian Federation.

Irish Nationalist Movement

• Background: Ireland split into Northern Ireland (Protestant) and Ireland (Catholic) post-WWI.
• Issues:
  • Protestant North wanted to remain with Britain, Catholic South sought independence.
  • Discrimination against Catholic minority in Northern Ireland.
• Timeline:
  • Civil rights movement and subsequent violence known as "The Troubles."
  • 1972: Northern Ireland under direct British rule until 1998.
  • 1998: Good Friday Agreement, peace and more sovereignty to Northern Ireland.

Separatist Movements

Basque Separatist Movement

• Location: Eastern border of Spain.
• Background: Ethnically homogenous Basque people with anti-Spanish sentiments.
• Action:
  • Militant group ETA formed in 1959, engaging in violence to demand independence.
  • Outcome: No independence, ETA disbanded in 2018.

Flemish Separatist Movement

• Location: Belgium, involving Flemish (North) and Walloons (South).
• Issues:
  • Language differences and imbalance of power and wealth.
  • Flemish movements for independence or annexation by culturally similar Netherlands.
• Current Status: Still unresolved tensions.

Ethnic Cleansing: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background

• Part of Yugoslavia, created post-WWI without ethnic considerations.
• Leadership by Josip Tito kept tensions under control until 1980.

Conflict

• Nationalism led to desire for independent nations post-Tito.
• 1992: Bosnia Herzegovina declared independence.
• Milosevic of Serbia aimed to control republics and protect Serbian minority.
• Violence:
  • Ethnic cleansing/genocide against Bosnian Muslims.
  • Large-scale killings, property destruction, and concentration camps.
• Outcome: 300,000 Bosnians killed before NATO intervention in 1995.

Conclusion

• Continued need for awareness and understanding of nationalist and separatist movements to prevent conflicts.
• Resources available for students to further their knowledge in European history.