Crash Course World History: Decolonization

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Topic: Decolonization
• European empires formed in the 19th century were not as stable as expected, leading to the rise of nation-states.
• Mentioned the stability of empires from Egypt, Alexander the Great, to Rome, and the Ottomans.
• Empires were the dominant political organization historically.

Emergence of Nation States Post-WWII

• No new empires replaced those that fell post-WWII.
• WWII discredited the idea of empire, as Allies fought against Nazi imperialism.
• Colonial troops fought alongside Allies, leading to expectations of independence.
• Major colonial powers weakened post-WWII (e.g., Britain, France, Japan).

Decolonization Examples

• South Asia:
  • British India became India and Pakistan (later Bangladesh).
• Southeast Asia:
  • French Indochina became Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.
  • Dutch East Indies became Indonesia.
• Africa:
  • Went from European colonies to independent states.

Characteristics of Decolonization

• Occurred during the Cold War, influencing socialist and capitalist alignments.
• Often involved violence and overthrow of colonial elites.

Indian Decolonization

• Indian National Congress founded in 1885.
• Mohandas K. Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru advocated for a unified, independent India.
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Muslim League, advocating for partition.
• India and Pakistan partition led to massive displacement and violence.

Indonesia

• Dutch exploited Indonesia with the "cultuurstelsel" system.
• Japanese occupation during WWII promoted nationalism.
• Independence achieved in 1950 after Dutch "police actions."

Southeast Asia

• Cambodia: Rise of Khmer Rouge post-independence.
• Vietnam: French and then American involvement, leading to communist control by 1975.

Egypt

• Nominal independence in 1922, but British influence lingered until the 1950s.
• Gamal Abdul Nasser led a coup, establishing a secular nationalism.

Central and Southern Africa

• Colonial boundaries often arbitrary, leading to tensions.
• Infrastructure primarily focused on resource extraction.
• Lack of education and institutions hindered development.
• Rise of military dictators post-independence.

Positive Developments in Africa

• Some African nations show strong signs of growth (e.g., Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Ethiopia).

Conclusion

• Nations formed post-decolonization are relatively young with potential for growth.
• Progress is spotty but notable in certain areas.