The end of empire and the problem of neocolonialism - Decolonization and its discontents - World War II as catalyst

6 important questions on The end of empire and the problem of neocolonialism - Decolonization and its discontents - World War II as catalyst

What was the decisive factor of the end of political colonialism?

  • The end of political colonialism was the result of many factors, but the impact of World War II on European power was decisive.
  • With few exceptions, states such as France, Britain, and the Netherlands simply lacked the economic and military resources needed for the maintenance of overseas empire in the face of growing opposition both at home in the colonies.

What bolstered nationalist aspirations throughout the world?

The rapidity with which the Japanese had expelled the white imperialists from Vietnam, Malaya, Burma, the Philippines, and the Dutch East Indies during the early years of World War II bolstered nationalist aspirations throughout the colonial world.

What was the "Atlantic Charter" about?

  • Nationalist sentiment was also bolstered by the 1941 "Atlantic Charter" between the US and Great Britain, which called for an end to territorial expansion at the expense of other peoples, and by the charter of the newly established UN.
  • The latter document called for member states "to take due account of the political aspirations" of all peoples "and to assist them in the progressive development of their free political institutions, according to the particular circumstances of each territory and its peoples and their varying stages of advancement."
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What did the UN do to accelerate the process of decolonization?

  • In order to accelerate the process of decolonization, in 1960 the UN passed a "Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples."
  • This document proclaimed that "the subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, is contrary to the United Nations Charter, and is an impediment to the promotion of world peace and cooperation."

Which colonies succeeded in their quest for independence? Which didn't?

  • In colonies where the metropolitan power had trained local elites as military officers, judges, and civil servants, the transition to self-rule was comparatively smooth.
  • And where the imperial power invested in the development of the colony's economic and educational infrastructure, the chances for political stability and social order were greatly enhanced.
  • On the other hand, conditions in the French, Belgian, and Portuguese empires were less propitious. Economic development was often distorted in these colonies, with export-driven cash-crop agriculture frustrating efforts to diversify for a domestic market. Postcolonial Africa represents the greatest tragedy under these conditions.

What problems were there in Postcolonial Africa?

  • Economic development was often distorted in these colonies, with export-driven cash-crop agriculture frustrating efforts to diversify for a domestic market.
  • Even where the introduction of Western technology successfully reduced infant mortality rates through better hygiene, food, and water, and medical care, the absence of appropriate educational opportunities meant that burgeoning birth rates compounded the problems faced by new states whose political leaders had promised a better quality of life after independence.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo