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9.9 Decolonization

1 min readfebruary 12, 2023

Sharii Liang

Sharii Liang

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Sharii Liang

Sharii Liang

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Attend a live cram event

Review all units live with expert teachers & students

After WWI, ’s included a clause about . Non-European countries hoped it was an opportunity for more autonomy and even sovereignty. That hope, however, was soon crushed when it became apparent that European powers were not going to give up their conquered lands so easily. 

As a result, the process of occurred over the course of the century with varying degrees of cooperation, interference, or resistance from European .

War, Instability, and More War

The independence of colonized nations would be delayed until the end of the 20th century. It wasn’t until the economies of entire nations were ruined by WWII that Europe could not deal with its colonies overseas. Indigenous nationalistic movements only found a way to prosper during the midst of , , and

Below are some of the colonies that finally gained independence from the imperial powers!

Colony

Colonizer

England

Philippines - 1946

United States

Vietnam - 1945

France

Cambodia and Laos - 1953

France

Belgium

Key Terms to Review (11)

Cold War Tensions

: Cold War tensions refer to the political and military tension after World War II between powers in the Western Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others) and powers in the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its allies).

Decolonization

: Decolonization is the process by which colonies become independent from their colonial rulers. It often involves significant political, cultural, and economic changes.

Democratic Republic of the Congo - 1960

: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) gained independence from Belgium in 1960. This marked a significant shift in African history as it was part of the decolonization wave that swept across Africa during this period.

Economic Decline

: Economic decline refers to a gradual decrease in the economic activity of a country or region over time. This can be indicated by factors such as falling GDP, high unemployment rates, and decreased consumer spending.

Fourteen Points

: A statement given by President Woodrow Wilson declaring that World War I was being fought for a moral cause and proposing specific principles for peace in Europe.

Imperialist States

: Imperialist states refer to nations that create empires by exerting their power over other nations through military force or diplomatic maneuvers.

India - 1947

: In 1947, India gained independence from British rule after nearly two centuries. This was marked by partitioning into two separate states - India and Pakistan - causing significant displacement and violence.

Internal Instability

: Internal instability refers to a state of disorder or lack of stability within a country due to factors such as political unrest, social conflict, or economic crisis.

President Woodrow Wilson

: Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president of the United States from 1913 to 1921, known for his role in World War I and his "Fourteen Points" peace proposal.

Renaissance

: The Renaissance was a period in European history, from the 14th to the 17th century, marked by a revival of interest in classical learning and values. It's known for its advancements in art, literature, science, and exploration.

Self-determination

: The process by which a country determines its own statehood and forms its own allegiances and government.

9.9 Decolonization

1 min readfebruary 12, 2023

Sharii Liang

Sharii Liang

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Sharii Liang

Sharii Liang

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Attend a live cram event

Review all units live with expert teachers & students

After WWI, ’s included a clause about . Non-European countries hoped it was an opportunity for more autonomy and even sovereignty. That hope, however, was soon crushed when it became apparent that European powers were not going to give up their conquered lands so easily. 

As a result, the process of occurred over the course of the century with varying degrees of cooperation, interference, or resistance from European .

War, Instability, and More War

The independence of colonized nations would be delayed until the end of the 20th century. It wasn’t until the economies of entire nations were ruined by WWII that Europe could not deal with its colonies overseas. Indigenous nationalistic movements only found a way to prosper during the midst of , , and

Below are some of the colonies that finally gained independence from the imperial powers!

Colony

Colonizer

England

Philippines - 1946

United States

Vietnam - 1945

France

Cambodia and Laos - 1953

France

Belgium

Key Terms to Review (11)

Cold War Tensions

: Cold War tensions refer to the political and military tension after World War II between powers in the Western Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others) and powers in the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its allies).

Decolonization

: Decolonization is the process by which colonies become independent from their colonial rulers. It often involves significant political, cultural, and economic changes.

Democratic Republic of the Congo - 1960

: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) gained independence from Belgium in 1960. This marked a significant shift in African history as it was part of the decolonization wave that swept across Africa during this period.

Economic Decline

: Economic decline refers to a gradual decrease in the economic activity of a country or region over time. This can be indicated by factors such as falling GDP, high unemployment rates, and decreased consumer spending.

Fourteen Points

: A statement given by President Woodrow Wilson declaring that World War I was being fought for a moral cause and proposing specific principles for peace in Europe.

Imperialist States

: Imperialist states refer to nations that create empires by exerting their power over other nations through military force or diplomatic maneuvers.

India - 1947

: In 1947, India gained independence from British rule after nearly two centuries. This was marked by partitioning into two separate states - India and Pakistan - causing significant displacement and violence.

Internal Instability

: Internal instability refers to a state of disorder or lack of stability within a country due to factors such as political unrest, social conflict, or economic crisis.

President Woodrow Wilson

: Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president of the United States from 1913 to 1921, known for his role in World War I and his "Fourteen Points" peace proposal.

Renaissance

: The Renaissance was a period in European history, from the 14th to the 17th century, marked by a revival of interest in classical learning and values. It's known for its advancements in art, literature, science, and exploration.

Self-determination

: The process by which a country determines its own statehood and forms its own allegiances and government.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.