“Just as none of us is outside or beyond geography, none of us is completely free from the struggle over geography. That struggle is complex and interesting because it is not only about soldiers and cannons but also about ideas, about forms, about images and imaginings.”
Edward W. Said, Culture and Imperialism
Edward W. Said, Culture and Imperialism
Topic 4: Nationalist and independence movements in Africa and Asia and post-1945 Central and Eastern European states
An important development of the 20th century, especially in the post-Second World War period, was the decline of imperial rule and the emergence of new states. This topic covers decolonization in Africa and Asia. It also covers the break-up of Soviet control in Eastern Europe, as well as the emergence of new states elsewhere in Europe. Emphasis should be placed on the origins and development of the nationalist and independence movements, the formation of post-colonial governments/new states, the problems facing new governments (both internal and external pressures) and attempts to solve them.
Please note that students will not be asked to compare and contrast the nationalist and independence movements in Africa and Asia with the new states in Europe post -1945.
Origins and rise of nationalist / independence movements in Africa and Asia.
An important development of the 20th century, especially in the post-Second World War period, was the decline of imperial rule and the emergence of new states. This topic covers decolonization in Africa and Asia. It also covers the break-up of Soviet control in Eastern Europe, as well as the emergence of new states elsewhere in Europe. Emphasis should be placed on the origins and development of the nationalist and independence movements, the formation of post-colonial governments/new states, the problems facing new governments (both internal and external pressures) and attempts to solve them.
Please note that students will not be asked to compare and contrast the nationalist and independence movements in Africa and Asia with the new states in Europe post -1945.
Origins and rise of nationalist / independence movements in Africa and Asia.
- Anti-colonialism (opposition to Belgian, British, Dutch, French and Portuguese colonial rule)
- Nationalism, political ideology, religion
- Impact of the two world wars and the Cold War
- Other factors fostering growth of nationalist and independence movements
- Armed struggle
- Non-violent movements, elite and mass movements
- Role and importance of leaders of nationalist / independence movements
- Political organisation
- Origins and growth of movements challenging Soviet or centralised control
- Role and importance of leaders, organisations and institutions
- Methods of achieving independence from Soviet or centralised control
- Colonial legacy, neo-colonialism and Cold War
- Conflict with neighbours
- Lack of political experience
- Economic issues
- Social, religious and cultural issues
- Ethnic, racial and separatist movements