The document discusses the process of decolonization following World War II as European powers withdrew from their colonies. It notes the problems that arose from arbitrary European-drawn borders dividing ethnic groups and fueling tensions. Decolonization led to two different paths, with British colonies generally experiencing smoother transitions to independence while French colonies like Algeria faced more violent conflicts. The decolonization era remained messy with issues like religious conflicts in India and the emergence of communist governments in East Asia. Many new nations struggled with instability as well.

1. Decolonization

2. World in 1914

3. Late 19 century views
th
White Man’s Burden
Civilizing Mission
American Take

4. “Imperialism, the Highest
Stage of Capitalism”
Written by Russian
Marxist V. I. Lenin
Finance capital, Labor,
Production
– British in Malaya and
India
– British in Grenada
– Belgians and Germans in
Africa

5. From 19th Century: Questions on
Colonial Identity
 Exploiting tribal/Ethnic
tension
 Invention of ethnic
groups
– Assumption that rest of the
World is similar to Europe
 Colonial Dress
– Turbans vs hats
– Walking Stick

6. Aftermath of WWII
• European Weakness and arrogance
• Growing consciousness in the colonies
• Decolonization – achieving independence for
nations up until a certain point controlled by
European powers

7. Problems
• European administrative boundaries  do not
work with out the Europeans, but managed to
destroy pre-colonial systems (based upon
language, religion and ethnicity)
• Rivalry and discord among the de-colonized
• The two new “empires”

8. Two Different Paths, Part Duex
• British: India, Malaya,
Northern Colonies in
Africa
• French: Indochina,
Algeria
• Dutch: East Indies

9. India
• Religious rivalries
• English irresponsibility

10. East Asia
• Maoist Revolution: pros and
cons
• Korea
• Indochina
• Is imperialism really over?

11. African Mess
• European nations hold
on to Africa as long as
possible
• Problem with Map lines
• Ethnic empowerment
turns deadly
– Congo
– Rwanda
• Portugal: first to have
African Colonies, last to
leave Timeline for African Decolonization; note
Namibia received independence from
– Mozambique South Africa, not Europe

12. Success?
• United Nations appears to function – UN
document: can it work?
• Are the countries really free?