Crash Course World History: Decolonization

Introduction

• Presented by John Green.
• Focus on decolonization and the transition from empires to nation states.
• Historical context: European empires in the 19th century were unstable.
• Empires vs. nation states: Empires were dominant in organizing political structures historically.

Decolonization After World War II

• Unique because no new empires replaced the old ones.
• WWII discredited the idea of empire, especially Nazi imperialism.
• Colonial powers weakened post-war: Britain, France, Japan.
• Decolonization across Afro-Eurasia.
  • India, Southeast Asia, Africa.
  • Influence of Cold War: socialist vs. capitalist influences.

Case Study: India

• Indian National Congress founded in 1885.
• Leaders: Gandhi and Nehru.
  • Advocated for nonviolent protests.
  • Sought unity between Hindus and Muslims.
• Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
  • Mass displacement and violence.
  • Gandhi’s assassination by a Hindu nationalist.

Southeast Asia

• Indonesia’s struggle against the Dutch.
  • Japanese occupation during WWII advanced nationalism.
  • Independence achieved in 1950.
• French Indochina and Vietnam.
  • Violent decolonization processes.
  • American involvement in Vietnam.

Middle East: Egypt

• Overthrow of the king in the 1950s led by Gamal Abdul Nasser.
  • Played USSR vs. US.
  • Secular nationalism and banning of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Africa

• Issues with arbitrary colonial boundaries.
• Economic focus on resource extraction.
• Lack of educational institutions post-independence.
• Rise of military leaders and dictators.
  • Mugabe, Mobutu, Amin, Gaddafi.
• Positive signs in some African nations:
  • Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mauritania showing growth.

Conclusion

• Decolonization led to mixed outcomes.
• Some nations show progress despite challenges.
• Important to view developments from within the human story.

• Credits: Produced and directed by Stan Muller, script by Raoul Meyer and John Green.
• Graphics by Thought Bubble.
• Phrase of the week: "Meatloaf's Career."
• Reminder: "Don't Forget To Be Awesome."