State Building AFTER Decolonization [AP World History Review—Unit 8 Topic 6]

Summary

The video explores the tumultuous effects of decolonization in the 20th century, focusing on how newly independent states inherited arbitrary colonial boundaries, leading to conflict and migration. Key examples include the violent partition of India in 1947, the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, and the challenges faced by leaders like Nasser in Egypt and Gandhi in India in directing their countries' economies. It also highlights the waves of migration from former colonies to imperial metropoles, transforming societies into multi-ethnic hubs, while maintaining cultural and economic ties between them. The video underscores the lasting legacy of imperialism and its complex aftermath.

Takeaways

• 😀 Decolonization in the 20th century led to the creation of around 80 new states.
• 😀 Colonial powers drew borders that benefited themselves, often ignoring the ethnic or religious realities of the regions, leading to post-independence conflicts.
• 😀 The partition of India in 1947 resulted in mass violence and displacement, with over 12 million people migrating and more than half a million dying.
• 😀 The Kashmir conflict arose due to territorial disputes between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming Kashmir for different reasons, exacerbated by the area's Muslim majority.
• 😀 The creation of Israel in 1948 led to an ongoing conflict with Palestinians who rejected the UN's partition plan, resulting in wars and continued violence in the region.
• 😀 Post-independence, governments in newly created states often took control of their economies through nationalization and socialist policies.
• 😀 In Egypt, Nasser played a significant role in economic development, including nationalizing the Suez Canal and overseeing the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
• 😀 In India, Indira Gandhi implemented socialist policies, including the Green Revolution and nationalization of industries to address economic crises and reduce reliance on foreign aid.
• 😀 Newly independent states, such as India and Egypt, saw the government play an active role in economic development, from infrastructure projects to social welfare programs.
• 😀 Colonial independence led to migration flows to imperial metropoles (e.g., Indians to Britain, Algerians to France), which transformed these societies into multi-ethnic ones while maintaining cultural and economic ties.

Q & A

How many new states were created due to the process of decolonization in the 20th century?

Around 80 new states were created as a result of decolonization in the second half of the 20th century.

What was the primary issue with the colonial boundaries inherited by newly independent states?

The colonial boundaries were drawn by imperial powers in ways that benefited themselves, often disregarding the cultural, ethnic, and religious realities of the local populations, which led to conflicts.

What happened during the partition of India in 1947?

The partition of India led to the creation of two separate states: India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims. This caused significant violence and the migration of over 12 million people, resulting in more than half a million deaths.

Why did the Kashmir region become a source of conflict between India and Pakistan?

Kashmir became a conflict point because it had a Muslim majority but was ruled by a Hindu ruler. Both India and Pakistan claimed the region, leading to military confrontations and ongoing disputes.

What is the significance of the creation of Israel in 1948?

The creation of Israel in 1948 resulted from the partitioning of Palestine by the United Nations, leading to violent conflicts between Jewish Israelis and Arab Palestinians, a struggle that continues to this day.

What role did the British play in the conflict over Palestine before 1948?

Before 1948, Britain governed Palestine under a mandate system and faced tensions as the Zionist movement encouraged Jewish migration to Palestine, which led to conflict with the Arab Muslim majority there.

How did Egypt’s government play a role in its economic development after independence?

After independence, Egypt under Gamal Abdul Nasser played a significant role in directing its economy through nationalization of key industries, including the Suez Canal, and major infrastructure projects like the Aswan High Dam.

What economic policies did Indira Gandhi implement in India during her leadership?

Indira Gandhi implemented socialist economic plans, including the Green Revolution to increase agricultural production, nationalized key industries, and increased government control over the economy to reduce reliance on foreign aid.

Why did many people from former colonies migrate to imperial metropoles after independence?

Many people from former colonies migrated to imperial metropoles in search of better economic opportunities, as cultural and economic ties between the colonies and the metropoles remained strong.

How did migration from former colonies change the demographics of metropoles?

Migration from former colonies led to the transformation of imperial metropoles into more ethnically diverse societies, as people from colonies, such as Indians to Great Britain and Algerians to France, moved to these countries for work.