decolonisation

Question 1

when and where did Macmillan make the winds of change speech?

Answer 1

3rd of february 1960, in cape town south africa

Question 2

what policy regarding decolonisation does Macmillan advocate during this speech?

Answer 2

-UK has come to terms with African countries being independent
-wants freedom for commonwealth nations
-the strength of the commonwealth is through them governing themselves

Question 3

why did Wilson support this change in policy?

Answer 3

-isolationism is out of date (in regards to US)
-belief in strength from unity
-wants to maintain friendly diplomatic relations
-wants a balance of world power between the east and west
-concern that if countries in africa and asia become independent without Britain’s cooperation, they could become communist

Question 4

describe the policy of Britain regarding colonies in the early 1950s:

Answer 4

to oversee and control the pace of a gradual transition from the Empire to the new commonwealth in a peaceful way with britain

Question 5

why did the Mau Mau rebellion reveal problems with this policy?

Answer 5

-they tried to stop the violence but it failed as the leader of the revolt emerged as leader of an independent kenya and there was bitterness on both sides
-britain realised the revolts were picking up pace, so they would need to change their policy to match it
-they realised the pace had to be set NOT by britain
-it was a very bloody rebellion which made britain look bad

Question 6

how successful was Macmillan’s policy on decolonsiation?

Answer 6

successful, as it was a quick process with little violence (compared to other colonial powers)