Post World War I Colonial Tensions and Anti-Imperial Movements

End of World War I and Its Aftermath

• World War I ended, creating tensions globally, particularly among colonial peoples.
• Colonial peoples contributed to the war efforts but were not rewarded with independence.
• European powers, including Japan, maintained or expanded their colonial holdings.
• Some territories switched hands among imperial powers.

Emergence of New States

• Some new states emerged post-war, such as the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Mandate System in the Middle East

• Paris Peace Conference: Dismantling of Ottoman and German Empires.
• Territories divided among victors as spoils of war.
• Woodrow Wilson's Principle of Self-Determination:
  • Wilson advocated self-governance for states.
  • French and British largely ignored this principle.
• Mandate System:
  • Territories became mandates under the League of Nations.
  • Class C Mandates: Small populations, least developed, treated as colonies; e.g., Pacific Islands.
  • Class B Mandates: Larger populations, underdeveloped, ruled by victors; e.g., German colonies in Africa.
  • Class A Mandates: Large populations, developed, suitable for self-rule; however, British and French occupied territories like Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon as colonies.

Anti-Colonial Resistance

• Many colonial peoples expected independence post-war, leading to resistance against new imperial powers.

Japan's Empire Expansion

• Japan was unique as a non-Western imperial power.
• 1931 Invasion of Manchuria:
  • Violated League of Nations rules, seeking resources.
  • Japan quit the League and continued expansions.
  • By 1932, established puppet state Manchukuo in China.
  • Dubbed its influence area as the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.

Anti-Imperial Resistance Movements

• Indian National Congress (INC):
  • Formed in late 19th century to petition for self-rule in British India.
  • Led by Mahatma Gandhi in the 1920s using non-violent protests.
  • Resulted in India's independence post-World War II.
• African National Congress (ANC):
  • Founded in South Africa by Western-educated Africans.
  • Advocated for rights and influenced by Pan-Africanism.
  • Opposed imperial racial policies, successful post-World War II.

Additional Resources

• Video note guides available for further content review.