Cold War and Decolonization

Topics
Decolonization after World War II

Decolonization after World War II refers to the process by which European colonial empires
disintegrated, granting independence to colonies.

Significant figures such as Gandhi and Nehru led independence movements in India.
Africa saw a wave of newly independent nations in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Bandung Conference in 1955 marked a turning point for decolonization efforts.
The Suez Crisis of 1956 highlighted the decline of European colonial power.

Nationalist movements in Asia and Africa after 1900

Nationalist movements in Asia and Africa after 1900 were anti-colonial, sought independence
from European powers, and often led by prominent figures like Gandhi and Nkrumah.

These movements aimed to reclaim national identity and self-determination.

They mobilized diverse populations through various methods like protests, strikes, and civil
disobedience.
The movements were fueled by exploitation, discrimination, and the desire for political
autonomy.
Successful movements led to the end of colonial rule and the establishment of independent
nations.

Redrawing of political boundaries and state formation

Political boundaries have frequently shifted due to factors like war, treaties, and colonialism,
impacting state formation and societal structures.

Colonialism significantly influenced the redrawing of boundaries in Africa and Asia.

The Treaty of Versailles reshaped European boundaries after World War I.
The partition of India in 1947 led to the formation of India and Pakistan.
The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s resulted in the creation of multiple new states.

Key Terms
Al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda is a terrorist group founded by Osama bin Laden known for the 9/11 attacks; aims to
promote anti-Western ideologies and establish Islamic governance.

Its name means 'The Base' in Arabic.

Operates decentralized cells to carry out global attacks.
Has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks worldwide.
Al-Qaeda affiliates in various countries continue to pose a threat to international security.

Biafra secessionist movement

The Biafra secessionist movement was a civil war in Nigeria from 1967 to 1970, when the
secessionist state of Biafra was declared and ultimately reintegrated into Nigeria.

Biafra was primarily Igbo-dominated, seeking independence from Nigeria due to ethnic
tensions and economic disparities.
The conflict resulted in a humanitarian crisis with widespread famine and international
attention.
Nigeria's victory in the war led to the reintegration of Biafra as part of Nigeria.
The Biafra secessionist movement highlighted ethno-political challenges and the struggle for
self-determination in post-colonial Africa.

Creation of the State of Israel

The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 resulted from a combination of historical events,
including the Balfour Declaration, Holocaust, and British Mandate in Palestine.

The Balfour Declaration of 1917 expressed British support for a Jewish national homeland in
Palestine.
The Holocaust and massive Jewish displacement added urgency to the establishment of a
Jewish state.
The United Nations partition plan in 1947 divided Palestine into Jewish and Arab states,
leading to the creation of Israel.
Israel's declaration of independence on May 14, 1948, marked the official establishment of
the State of Israel.

Gamal Abdel Nasser

Gamal Abdel Nasser was a significant Egyptian political leader during the mid-20th century,
whose policies had wide-ranging impacts, including on US foreign policy.

Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956, provoking an international crisis.

His non-aligned foreign policy during the Cold War affected the US and global politics.
Nasser's pan-Arabism ideology influenced Arab countries' relations with the US.
Significantly, his presidency sparked the emergence of Nasserism, impacting geopolitical
concerns.
Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese communist revolutionary and politician who served as the leader
of North Vietnam from 1945 until his death in 1969.

He played a crucial role in the formation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945.
Ho Chi Minh led the Viet Minh independence movement against French colonial rule.
He was inspired by Marxism-Leninism and sought to establish a socialist government in
Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh's leadership during the Vietnam War gained him international recognition as one
of the most influential communist leaders of the 20th century.

Indian National Congress

The "Indian National Congress" is not directly associated with American history. It's India's
national political party, established in 1885 and instrumental in India's struggle for independence
from British rule.

It was instrumental in non-violent freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Congress Party dominated Indian politics post-independence until the 1980s.
Famous leaders include Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
It emphasizes secularism and welfare for weaker sections of society.

Kwame Nkrumah

Kwame Nkrumah was a prominent African leader who played a crucial role in the decolonization
of Africa.

He was the first Prime Minister and later the President of Ghana.
Nkrumah advocated for pan-Africanism and sought to unite African nations.
He led the country's independence movement against British colonialism.
Nkrumah's ideology of socialism and nationalism shaped the political landscape of post-
colonial Africa.

Muslim League

The 'Muslim League' is not directly related with US history. It was a political organization
primarily based in India, active during the early 20th century.

The group was instrumental in advocating for the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
It was founded in 1906 to represent the rights of Indian Muslims.
Members included prominent leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Post-partition, it became Pakistan’s dominant political party.
Partition of India

The Partition of India was the division of British India into two separate countries, India and
Pakistan, in 1947.

The partition was a result of religious and political tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
Muslims wanted a separate nation for themselves, leading to the creation of Pakistan.
The partition resulted in widespread violence and the displacement of millions of people.
The partition also led to ongoing tensions and conflicts between India and Pakistan.

Québécois separatist movement

The Québécois separatist movement in Canada is a political movement advocating for Quebec's
independence from the rest of the country.

Emerged in the 1960s due to grievances over cultural and linguistic issues.
Led to two provincial referendums in 1980 and 1995, with independence being rejected both
times.
Prominent groups include the Parti Québécois and Bloc Québécois.
Key figures like René Lévesque and Jacques Parizeau played influential roles in the
movement.

Shining Path

Shining Path was a Maoist guerrilla group in Peru that aimed to overthrow the government and
establish a communist state through violent means.

Led by Abimael Guzmán, they launched a brutal insurgency in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Infamous for their use of terrorist tactics, including bombings and targeted assassinations.
The group fragmented after Guzmán's capture in 1992 but remnants continued to operate.
Shining Path's violent campaign led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people.