Lecture Notes: Decolonization and the Cold War

Introduction to Decolonization

• Decolonization: Major development post-World War II.
• Two primary methods of achieving independence:
  1. Negotiated Independence
  2. Armed Struggle

Negotiated Independence

Example 1: India

• British Colony: Most valuable to Britain due to infrastructure built for British enrichment.
• Rise of Nationalism: Educated middle class influenced by nationalism.
• Indian National Congress (1885): Petitioned for more say in governance.
• World War I: Indians fought for Britain, hoping for more self-rule.
• Amritsar Massacre: British troops killed peaceful protestors, escalating tensions.
• Gandhi's Leadership: Nonviolent resistance.
• World War II: Again, Indians fought under British command.
• Independence (1947): Post-WWII, Britain recognized India's independence due to financial strains and political pressure.

Partition of India

• Muslim League: Called for a separate state due to fears of marginalization.
• Creation of Pakistan: Partition led to massive migration and violence.
• Outcome: Hundreds of thousands to over a million deaths due to sectarian violence.

Example 2: Ghana

• British Colony: Known as the Gold Coast.
• Kwame Nkrumah: Led independence movement from 1947.
• Independence (1957): Became Ghana after negotiations, similar conditions as India.

Armed Struggle for Independence

Key Factor

• Resistance often occurred where there was a large European settler population.

Example 1: Algeria

• French Colony: French settlers resisted independence.
• National Liberation Front (1954): Formed by Arab and Berber Muslims initiating violent struggle.
• French Response: Brutal violence against civilians.
• Outcome (1962): Independence achieved after negotiations under President Charles de Gaulle.

Example 2: Angola

• Portuguese Colony: Three ethnic groups opposed colonial rule.
• Violence: Protests and insurrections led to violent struggle.
• Independence (1975): After a coup in Portugal, negotiated independence granted.
• Post-Independence Conflict: Civil war among ethnic groups, influenced by Cold War dynamics.

Legacy of Colonial Boundaries

• Colonial Boundaries: Often drawn without regard for ethnic or religious divisions.
• Example: Nigeria
  • Independence (1960): From Britain.
  • Civil War (1967): Over control, Igbo people attempted secession due to rich oil land.
  • Outcome (1970): Northern government established control, tensions persist.

Conclusion

• Decolonization often led to civil unrest due to poorly planned colonial boundaries.
• The struggle for power continues to cause tension in many former colonies.