Post-World War I Colonial Tensions and Anti-Imperialism

Introduction

• End of World War I led to global tensions, especially among colonial peoples.
• Desire to remove imperial powers from their lands.

Colonial Peoples After World War I

• Colonial peoples fought in World War I but were not granted independence.
• European powers and Japan maintained or expanded colonial holdings during the interwar period.
• Few new states emerged; notable exception: Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

The Mandate System

• Introduced at the Paris Peace Conference to dismantle Ottoman and German Empires.
• Territories divided among victorious powers as war spoils.
• US President Woodrow Wilson advocated for self-determination — not embraced by French and British.
• Compromise: Mandate system in the Middle East under the League of Nations.

Classes of Mandates

• Class C Mandates: Smallest populations, seen as least developed; treated as colonies (e.g., Pacific islands taken by British and Japanese).
• Class B Mandates: Larger populations, considered underdeveloped; treated as colonies (e.g., German colonies in Africa).
• Class A Mandates: Large populations, deemed suitable for independence but treated as colonies (e.g., British in Israel/Iraq, French in Syria/Lebanon).

Anti-Colonial Movements

• Result of unmet expectations of independence post-war.

Expansion of Japan's Empire

• Japan, a non-western power, engaged in empire-building.
• 1931: Japan invaded Manchuria for resources.
• Violation of League of Nations rules; Japan quit the League.
• Established puppet state Manchukuo and expanded influence, creating the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.

Examples of Anti-Imperial Resistance

1. Indian National Congress (INC):

   • Formed in the late 19th century in India, a British colony.
   • Sought greater self-rule; met with minor concessions.
   • Gained momentum in the 1920s with Mahatma Gandhi's leadership through peaceful protests.
   • Achieved independence post-World War II.

2. African National Congress (ANC):

   • Founded in South Africa by educated lawyers and journalists.
   • Aimed for equal rights for colonial subjects.
   • Influenced by Pan-Africanism advocating for unity and equality among black people worldwide.
   • Worked against imperial racial policies; success post-World War II.

Conclusion

• Multiple anti-colonial movements arose due to failed promises of independence post-World War I.
• Continued resistance into and after World War II.

Additional Resources

• Video note guides available for further study.
• Encouragement to continue reviewing related material.