Post-World War I Developments and Anti-Imperial Resistance Movements
Colonial Expectations Post-WWI
Colonial Contribution: Colonial people fought in WWI expecting rewards of independence and self-rule.
Post-War Reality: European powers and Japan retained and even expanded colonial holdings.
New States: Some new states emerged such as the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal AtatĂĽrk.
Territory Changes: Many colonial territories shifted from one imperial power to another.
The Mandate System
Paris Peace Conference: Attempted to dismantle Ottoman and German Empires, dividing territories among victors.
US President Woodrow Wilson: Proposed self-determination as guiding principle, largely ignored by the French and British.
Mandate System: Territories administered by the League of Nations, categorized into three classes:
Class C Mandates: Small population, least developed. Examples: Pacific Islands taken over by British and Japanese.
Class B Mandates: Larger population, underdeveloped. Examples: Germany’s African colonies divided among victors.
Class A Mandates: Large population, developed. Expected to be independent but treated as colonies (e.g., British in Israel/Iraq, French in Syria/Lebanon).
Japanese Expansion
Japan’s Position: Only non-Western imperial power.
1931 Invasion of Manchuria: To gain access to natural resources, defying League of Nations rules.
Response to League of Nations: Japan quit the League and continued conquests, forming Manchukuo in 1932.
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere: Japan's expanded territory in the Pacific during the interwar period.
Anti-Imperial Resistance Movements
Indian National Congress (INC):
Formation: Late 19th century to petition for self-rule in British India.
WWI Contributions: Millions of Indian soldiers fought for Britain; little change in policy.
Mahatma Gandhi: Took leadership in the 1920s, advocating peaceful protest.
Outcome: Resistance led to eventual independence after WWII.
African National Congress (ANC):
Formation: Early 20th century in South Africa by educated lawyers and journalists.
Goal: Equal rights for colonial subjects, influenced by pan-Africanism.
Challenges: Opposed imperial racial policies; full success post-WWII.
Conclusion
Anti-imperial resistance intensified post-WWI, with significant movements in India and Africa eventually yielding results after WWII.
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