Decolonization Post-World War II

Overview

Decolonization: The process of European empires collapsing after World War II.
Major theme in AP European History: European empire building and its eventual decline.
Post-WWII, European empires could no longer maintain control due to economic and military constraints.

Post-World War I: American President Woodrow Wilson advocated for self-determination.
- Colonized nations were inspired by these ideas.
World War II Impact:
- Further strained European powers economically and militarily.
- Colonial soldiers' participation heightened demands for independence.

Algeria: French colony with significant settler population.
- Tensions led to an 8-year civil war.
- Charles de Gaulle recognized Algerian independence.
Egypt: Technically independent post-WWI but under British influence.
- Wafd Party and 1952 coup led to full independence.

India:
- Led by Mohandas Gandhi with non-violent civil disobedience.
- Achieved independence from Britain in 1947.
- Adopted a non-aligned stance during the Cold War.
Indonesia:
- Gained independence from the Dutch in 1949.
- Initial leadership aligned with the Soviet Union.
- Overthrown by nationalist movement aligning with the West in 1965.
Vietnam:
- Resistance led by Ho Chi Minh against French rule.
- Victory in 1954 led to division, with the North leaning communist and the South aligned with the West.
- Independence achieved in 1975.

Newly independent nations were pressured to choose sides between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
- Non-aligned movement emerged as some nations chose not to side with either power.