Heimler's History: AP World History Unit 7 - Post-World War I and Nationalistic Movements

Introduction

• Timeframe: 1900 to present
• Post-World War I changes:
  • Massive change: Population decrease, redrawing of political boundaries
  • Continued reality: Imperialism and unresolved tensions

Nationalism and Decolonization

• Imperial colonies experienced brewing nationalistic movements
• Colonized people sought independence and self-determination
• Contributions of colonized people in WWI raised hopes for decolonization
• Post-WWI: self-determination mainly for Eastern European (white) nations
• Colonial losses transferred to winning side, not freed

Colonial Resistance Movements

India

• Background:
  • Indian National Congress (late 19th century) - originally to register complaints
  • Post-WWI: Became a strong voice for independence
• Massacre of Amritsar (1919):
  • Peaceful protest turned deadly by colonial troops
  • Over 400 Indians killed, 1000+ wounded
  • Radicalized Indian sentiment towards independence
• Mohandas Gandhi:
  • Led nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience
  • Homespun Movement: Protest against British textile industry
  • Plan for two-state solution: India (Hindus) and Pakistan (Muslims)

East Asia

• Korea:
  • Japanese domination since 1910
  • March 1st Movement (1919): Protests against Japanese rule
  • Brutal suppression by Japanese troops
• China:
  • May 4th Movement (1919): Anti-Japanese demonstrations
  • Rejection of Western democracy, turn towards communism
  • Two key parties:
    • Chinese Communist Party (Mao Zedong): Revolution through peasantry
    • Chinese Nationalist Party (Sun Yat-sen, then Chiang Kai-shek)
  • Tensions led to the Chinese Civil War (1927)

West Africa

• Independence Movements:
  • Led by Europeans-educated Africans
  • Influence of European education on natural rights and social contracts
  • Strikes by black workers in French West Africa (1917 and onwards)
  • Workers demanded fair wages and ended discriminatory practices

Conclusion

• Overview of key nationalistic and resistance movements in colonial regions post-WWI
• Encouragement to subscribe and support Heimler’s History channel