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Topic 3: African and Asian Nationalism (i) Why did European countries begin to give up their colonies after 1945? (ii) Write an account of the main events in the movement for independence in a named African or Asian country since 1945. - Junior Cycle History - Question 3 - 2011
Question 3
Topic 3: African and Asian Nationalism (i) Why did European countries begin to give up their colonies after 1945? (ii) Write an account of the main events in the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Topic 3: African and Asian Nationalism (i) Why did European countries begin to give up their colonies after 1945? (ii) Write an account of the main events in the movement for independence in a named African or Asian country since 1945. - Junior Cycle History - Question 3 - 2011
Step 1
Why did European countries begin to give up their colonies after 1945?
Answer
After 1945, European countries began to relinquish their colonies due to several interrelated factors:
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Impact of World War II: The war significantly weakened many European powers economically and militarily. As a result, they found it increasingly difficult to maintain control over their colonies.
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Rise of Nationalism: There was a growing wave of nationalist movements in the colonies. Colonized peoples organized and mobilized effectively, demanding independence, and the European powers realized that continuing to suppress these movements was becoming impractical.
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International Pressure: The aftermath of the war led to the establishment of the United Nations, which emphasized the principle of self-determination. This put additional pressure on colonial powers to decolonize and grant independence to their colonies.
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Changing Public Opinion: Back in Europe, public sentiment shifted against colonialism, and many citizens began to view it as morally unjustifiable, leading their governments to reconsider their colonial policies.
Step 2
Write an account of the main events in the movement for independence in a named African or Asian country since 1945.
Answer
Let's take India as a case study for independence:
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World War II Aftermath: The economic strain of World War II significantly weakened British control over India. The war led to increased demand for independence among Indians.
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Quit India Movement (1942): Launched by the Indian National Congress, this movement called for an end to British rule in India. It was marked by widespread protests and non-violent resistance, even though it was met with severe repression by the British authorities.
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Post-War Negotiations (1945-1947): After the war, there was intense negotiation between the British government and Indian leaders. The Labour government elected in 1945 was more sympathetic to Indian aspirations, leading to discussions around a possible transfer of power.
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Partition and Independence (1947): On August 15, 1947, India gained independence, but this was accompanied by the tragic partition into India and Pakistan, causing massive displacement and communal violence.
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Post-Independence Challenges: After independence, India faced numerous challenges, including the integration of princely states, communal tensions, and economic development, which shaped its subsequent political landscape.