key term - Global resistance

Definition

Global resistance refers to the widespread movements and efforts across different nations and cultures aimed at opposing colonialism, imperialism, and oppressive regimes throughout the 20th century. This term encapsulates a variety of struggles that included anti-colonial movements, civil rights activism, and broader social justice initiatives, reflecting a shared desire for self-determination, equality, and human rights across diverse populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global resistance encompassed a range of movements including anti-colonial struggles in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, as well as civil rights movements in places like the United States.
2. Key figures in global resistance included leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., who inspired millions with their calls for justice and equality.
3. The post-World War II era saw a significant rise in global resistance movements as former colonies sought independence from European powers amidst changing global attitudes towards imperialism.
4. International organizations, like the United Nations, played a role in supporting global resistance efforts by promoting human rights and self-determination for oppressed peoples.
5. The interconnectedness of global communication technologies in the late 20th century helped amplify the voices of resistance movements around the world, fostering solidarity among different struggles.

Review Questions

• How did global resistance movements in the 20th century influence each other across different regions?
  • Global resistance movements were heavily interconnected, with ideas and strategies often flowing between different regions. For instance, the success of anti-colonial movements in India inspired similar struggles in Africa, while civil rights activism in the U.S. drew influence from decolonization efforts around the world. This exchange of ideas highlighted a shared goal of achieving justice and self-determination, demonstrating that local struggles were part of a larger global narrative against oppression.
• Evaluate the impact of key leaders on global resistance movements during the 20th century.
  • Key leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. significantly shaped global resistance movements by providing inspirational models for nonviolent protest and advocacy for civil rights. Their philosophies not only mobilized local populations but also garnered international attention and support. Their legacies continue to influence contemporary social justice movements around the world, highlighting their enduring impact on struggles for equality.
• Assess how changes in international politics after World War II contributed to the rise of global resistance movements.
  • After World War II, there was a notable shift in international politics that created a more favorable environment for global resistance movements. The decline of European colonial empires, coupled with new ideals of human rights promoted by organizations like the United Nations, encouraged colonized nations to pursue independence. The geopolitical tension of the Cold War also provided opportunities for various movements to gain support from either side of the ideological divide. Thus, these factors collectively fueled an era marked by widespread resistance against oppression.

Related terms

Decolonization:

The process through which colonies gained independence from colonial powers, often involving political movements and armed struggle.

Civil Rights Movement:

A movement primarily in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s that sought to end racial discrimination and secure equal rights for African Americans.

Pan-Africanism:

A movement that encourages the solidarity of Africans worldwide and seeks to unite African people in their struggle against colonialism and oppression.