Heimler's History: AP World History Unit 7 - Nationalistic Movements and Decolonization

Introduction

• Focus on the aftermath of World War I and its effects on imperialism.
• Despite global changes, imperialism remained largely unchanged.
• World War I led to unresolved tensions in the interwar period.

Nationalistic Movements

• Colonized people developed a stronger sense of nationalism.
• Participation in World War I by colonized individuals fueled desires for independence.
• Post-war self-determination was limited to Eastern European nations.
• Colonial holdings of losers were transferred to victors, not freed.
• Resistance movements emerged globally.

India

• Indian National Congress: Formed in the late 19th century to protest British colonial rule.
• Post-WWI, it became a central voice for Indian independence.
• Massacre of Amritsar (1919): Arrest of freedom fighters led to gathering in Amritsar.
  • Peaceful protest turned deadly with colonial soldiers firing on protesters and Sikh worshippers.
  • Nearly 400 dead and over 1000 wounded.
  • Event radicalized many Indians, fueling desire for independence.
• Mohandas Gandhi emerged as a leader in the 1920s.
  • Advocated nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
  • Homespun Movement: Protest against British textile industry.
  • Movement laid groundwork for a future two-state solution (India and Pakistan).

East Asia

Korea

• Japan's domination of Korea complete by 1910.
• Post-WWI led to increased tensions.
• March 1st Movement (1919): Protest against Japanese rule, brutally suppressed.

China

• May 4th Movement (1919): Anti-Japanese protests following Treaty of Versailles decisions.
• Led to rejection of Western democracy and rise of communism.
• Conflict between Chinese Communist Party (Mao Zedong) and Chinese Nationalist Party (Sun Yat-sen).
  • Mao focused on peasantry for revolution.
  • Sun Yat-sen aimed for independence and industrialization.
  • Chinese Civil War began in 1927 under Chiang Kai-shek's leadership.

Colonial West Africa

• Educated Africans initiated independence movements.
• Exposure to European ideas like natural rights and social contracts inspired change.
• Strikes: Led by workers agitating for fair wages and ending discrimination.

Conclusion

• Understanding these movements is crucial for AP World History Unit 7.
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