Notes Class 12 Chapter 9 History Maharashtra Board

World : Decolonisation

Introduction

Decolonisation refers to the process by which colonies gained independence from European powers. This chapter focuses on the decolonisation of Asia and Africa, highlighting key events, movements, and examples of countries that achieved independence in the 20th century. The process was influenced by global events like the World Wars, anti-colonial movements, and international agreements such as the Atlantic Charter.

9.1 Decolonisation in Asia

Key Factors in Asian Decolonisation

World Wars: The First and Second World Wars weakened European powers like Britain and France, making it difficult for them to maintain control over colonies.
Anti-Colonial Movements: Strong independence movements, such as India’s freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi, pressured colonial powers.
Atlantic Charter (1941): Signed by Winston Churchill (UK) and Franklin Roosevelt (USA), it supported the right of all people to self-determination and opposed territorial expansion. This inspired independence movements.
Weakening of Colonial Powers: European countries faced internal conflicts and economic challenges, leading to the gradual introduction of internal autonomy in colonies.
Role of International Organisations: The League of Nations and later the United Nations played significant roles in facilitating decolonisation.

Examples of Decolonisation in Asia

1. Maldives

Colonial History:
Portuguese entered Maldives in 1507, and the Maldives paid tribute to them.
In 1573, Muhammad Thakuruphanu Al Azam ended Portuguese rule and became Sultan.
The Dutch took administrative control, and Maldives paid tribute to them in Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Later, the British took over, establishing a naval base and radio transmission centre. Indian labourers were brought to work in paddy fields.
Independence: Maldives gained independence on 26th July 1965 through a treaty signed in Colombo.

2. Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Colonial History:
British ruled Sri Lanka from 1798 to 1948 after defeating the Dutch and Portuguese.
Uprisings occurred against British rule.
British plantation owners brought Tamil Nadu labourers to work in coffee, tea, rubber, and coconut plantations.
The British developed Colombo as an international port and established colleges and universities, promoting Buddhist Studies.
Independence: Sri Lanka became independent in 1948.

3. Myanmar (Burma)

Colonial History:

In 1599, the Portuguese defeated a Myanmar king, but in 1611, Myanmar’s dynasties united and defeated the Portuguese.
Myanmar adopted an expansionist policy, conquering Manipur and Assam, threatening British India.
Three wars were fought between the British and Myanmar:
First War (1826): British won, taking Assam and Manipur.
Second War: British defeated Myanmar again.
Third War: British captured Upper Burma, ruling all of Myanmar.
Myanmar was annexed as a province of British India, but in 1935, it was separated and granted autonomy.
During World War II, the Burma Independence Army, led by Aung San, supported Japan against the British. However, the British regained control in 1945 with American help.
Aung San was appointed Vice President, reflecting British recognition of local demands.
Independence: Myanmar gained independence on 4th January 1948.

9.2 Decolonisation in Africa

Key Factors in African Decolonisation

European Education System: African leaders educated in Western systems learned about nationalism, the American Independence Struggle, and the French Revolution, which inspired independence movements.
Post-World War II Nationalism: After World War II, nationalism in Africa grew stronger, and European powers began granting more rights to Africans.
Bandung Conference (1955): Held in Indonesia, it brought together Asian and African nations to discuss common problems, promote world peace, and encourage mutual cooperation.
Pan-African Movement: The idea of African unity, pioneered by H.S. Williams and W.E.B. Du Bois, strengthened independence movements through conferences like the Pan-African Congress.

Examples of Decolonisation in Africa

Pre-World War II: Only Liberia and Ethiopia were independent in Africa.

World War I (1914-1918):

European colonies in Africa were involuntarily involved in the war.
Britain and France attacked German colonies in Africa after Germany’s defeat.
The League of Nations assigned Britain, France, and Belgium as trustees to administer former German colonies as protectorates with internal autonomy.

Post-World War II:

Egypt: Gained independence before the end of World War II.
Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Ghana: Became independent one by one.
Algeria: Fought a tough battle and became independent in 1962 after a plebiscite.
French Colonies: By the mid-20th century, 12 French colonies, including Ivory Coast, Madagascar, and Mali, gained independence.
Tanzania: Formed in 1964 by the amalgamation of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Ethiopia and Libya: Taken by Italy before World War II but regained independence after Italy’s defeat in 1945.

Role of World War II

The war weakened European powers, creating an environment conducive to decolonisation.
Indian soldiers in the British army played a significant role in defeating Italian and German forces in Africa, protecting British colonies.
The defeat of Italy and Germany led to the loss of their African colonies, accelerating independence movements.

Important Conferences and Concepts

1. Bandung Conference (1955)

Background:

The first conference of Asian countries was held in India in 1947, attended by 25 Asian nations. It discussed Asian regionalism and common challenges.
This led to the Bandung Conference in 1955 in Indonesia, attended by Asian and African countries.

Key Points:

Focused on problems faced by Afro-Asian countries.
Emphasised world peace and mutual cooperation.
Strengthened the idea of unity among colonised nations.

2. Concept of African Unity

Origin: H.S. Williams founded the African Association (later Pan-African Association) in London and organised its first conference in 1900.
Key Figures: W.E.B. Du Bois, an American sociologist, played a major role in promoting Pan-Africanism.
Pan-African Congresses:
1919: First Pan-African Congress held in Paris.
1945: Fifth Pan-African Congress held in Manchester, attended by African leaders and thinkers.
Impact: The Pan-African movement fostered a sense of unity and national pride, encouraging independence movements across Africa.

Role of International Organisations

League of Nations:

After World War I, it introduced the trustee system to administer former German and Turkish colonies, with Britain and France as trustees.
Post-World War I, it supervised the administration of colonies to ensure internal autonomy.
United Nations: Played a significant role in completing the decolonisation process by supporting independence movements.