Heimler's History - Unit 8: Decolonization

Major Themes of Unit 8

• Decolonization
• The Cold War

Introduction to Decolonization

• Focus on independence movements worldwide.
• Two main paths to independence:
  • Negotiated independence
  • Armed resistance

Negotiated Independence

India

• Mohandas Gandhi led non-violent civil disobedience for Indian independence.
• Britain, weakened by WWII, negotiated independence in 1947.
• Formation of Pakistan for the Muslim minority led by the Muslim League.

French West Africa

• Included regions like Senegal, Ivory Coast, Niger.
• Ruled by small occupational forces, reliant on local cooperation.
• Independence negotiated by 1959 due to unsustainable French control.

Gold Coast (Ghana)

• British colony, became independent in 1957.
• Kwame Nkrumah was the first president, built a strong national identity with symbols like flags and anthems.

Decolonization Through Armed Conflict

Algeria

• Uprising against French colonial rule led to the Algerian War for Independence in 1954.
• National Liberation Front used guerrilla tactics.
• France finally planned for independence in 1958 under Charles de Gaulle.

Vietnam (Indochina)

• Originally a French colony, divided into North (communist) and South (democratic) post-WWII.
• Ho Chi Minh led a war for independence, resulting in Vietnam's division in 1954.
• Led to a proxy war in the context of the Cold War.

Egypt

• Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew the Egyptian king, nationalized the Suez Canal.
• This action led to the Suez Crisis, with international intervention making the canal an international waterway under Egyptian sovereignty.

Blended Approaches

Nigeria

• Negotiated independence from Britain in 1960.
• Civil war erupted in 1967 over control due to the Igbo people's secession attempt, leading to a united Nigeria in 1970.

Quebecois Separatist Movement (Canada)

• Historical division between French Catholics in Quebec and British Protestants in Canada.
• 1960s saw increased nationalism and violence, including bombings.
• Movement ultimately failed, Quebec remained part of Canada.

Conclusion

• Overview of Unit 8, Topic 5 for AP World History.
• Invitation to subscribe and join the Heimler History community.