Reasons for decolonisation

Question 1

All reasons for decolonisation ?

Answer 1

• Economic Impact of WW2
• Changed International Situation
• Emergence of powerful nationalist movements
• Changing priorities in Europe
• Specific Problems

Question 2

What was the Economic Impact of WW2 ?

Answer 2

• Imperial power merged from the war economically much poorer

Question 3

Impact of the economic impact of WW2 ?

Answer 3

• Could not afford to fight a series of prolonged colonial wars pianist insurgent nationalist movements
• Could not afford to maintain empire, focus was at home

Question 4

What was the changed International situation ?

Answer 4

• USA and USSR were the dominant powers / superpowers

Question 5

Reaction of USA and USSR toward colonialism ?

Answer 5

• USA and USSR were hostile / against the idea of old - style European Imperialism

Question 6

How did this changed International situation affect / impact Britain ?

Answer 6

• Britain was largely dependent on USA for defence and economic support ( Marshall Plan, NATO ), therefore meant they were susceptible to American pressure to speed up decolonisation

Question 7

Example of the changed International situation ?

Answer 7

• The effect / impact of the changed International situation evident I the sUEZ crisis, where US forced Britain to withdraw troops

Question 8

How was the emergence of nationalist movements a reason for decolonisation ?

Answer 8

• Nationalist movements, who aimed to secure independence and establish independent states, appeared in all parts of the world.
• Nationalist movements threatened / challenged imperial control.

Question 9

What was the changing priorities in Europe ?

Answer 9

• By the 1950s. Western Europe was experiencing a dramatic post war recovery, with full employment and rising living standards
• European Economic Committee ( EEC ) helped refocus trade in Europe

Question 10

Impact of the economic priority in Europe ?

Answer 10

• Britain less dependent on colonial support
• Trade with Empire not essential
• Support for empire, especially among powerful business interests, dwindled / decreased

Question 11

Examples of specific problems with led to decolonisation ?

Answer 11

• Decolonisation in India occurred because of the politicised society, war effort and the threat of violent disorder between Hindus and Muslims
• Withdrawal from Palestine occurred because of religion

Question 12

What does specific problems mean as a reason for decolonisation ?

Answer 12

• Britain did not ‘ give up ‘ on their empire
• decision to relinquish empire often forced by specific developments rather than the product of an immediate post war shift in thinking