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AQA History A Level British Empire > 4.1 - Decolonisation in Africa and Asia > Flashcards

4.1 - Decolonisation in Africa and Asia Flashcards

1
Q

What British possessions gained their independence in the immediate aftermath of WW2?

A

Indian, Pakistan, Burma, Ceylon, (Palestine)

These territories were primarily located in South Asia.

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2
Q

Why didn’t more colonies gain independence immediately after WW2?

A
  • Britain wasn’t under pressure from the international community
  • Less developed national/political consciousness
  • Seen as key to Britain’s economic recovery
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3
Q

How did WW2 stir African nationalism?

A
  • The Atlantic Charter inspired the African educated elite
  • Economic revolution led to urbanisation and industrialisation
  • Increased British control angered Africans
  • Global shift in attitudes towards race post-1945
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4
Q

Which colonies gained independence in 1957?

A
  • Gold Coast (renamed Ghana) in March 1957
  • Malaya in 1957
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5
Q

What factors contributed to the decolonisation of the British Empire between 1957-1967?

A
  • Nationalist Movements
  • Changing Attitudes in Britain
  • Changing priorities in Europe
  • The Cold War
  • Economic Concerns
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6
Q

True or False: The Cold War had no impact on the decolonisation process.

A

False

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7
Q

What was Britain’s approach to its African colonies after WW2?

A
  • No immediate desire to grant independence
  • Develop colonies economically through Colonial Development Cooperation
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8
Q

How did Andrew Cohen view the Gold Coast colony?

A
  • Most advanced colony politically
  • Likely to achieve independence
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9
Q

What did the British not envisage happening regarding decolonisation?

A
  • Feasibility of independence for at least a generation
  • Quicker decolonisation in West Africa due to lack of significant white settler population
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10
Q

What was the Burns Constitution (1946)?

A
  • Established a Legislative Council of 12 British nominees and 18 elected African members
  • Majority of elected Africans, but ultimate power remained with the British Governor
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11
Q

How did nationalists put pressure on British administrators?

A
  • Wave of unrest and protests
  • Formation of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
  • Campaign of non-cooperation known as ‘positive action’
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12
Q

Why was Nkrumah given the position of Prime Minister of the Gold Coast in 1952?

A
  • CPP won two-thirds of the seats in the Legislative Assembly in 1951
  • Need to bring CPP into government to control unrest
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13
Q

What events led to Ghana’s independence?

A
  • Nkrumah’s government demonstrated responsible rule
  • Togoland Plebiscite in 1956 favored unification with Gold Coast
  • 1957 elections held on full adult suffrage showed majority support for independence
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14
Q

Fill in the blank: The Gold Coast gained independence on _______.

A

6 March 1957

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15
Q

What significant event occurred in Lagos in 1945?

A

A strike of railway and government workers involving 30,000 people

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16
Q

Who led the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons formed in 1944?

A

Nnamdi Azikiwe

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17
Q

What was the ultimate aim of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons?

A

Self-governing for Nigeria

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18
Q

How many man-days were estimated to be lost to strike action between 1945-50?

A

Over 100,000

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19
Q

What did the Richards Constitution of 1946 allow for?

A

Greater African representation

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20
Q

Who retained ultimate power under the Richards Constitution?

A

The Governor-General and the Executive Council

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21
Q

Why were regional assemblies created in Nigeria?

A

To address ethnic tensions and debate local matters

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22
Q

How was Nigeria divided religiously and ethnically?

A

North region was 90% Muslim, West and East were largely Christian

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23
Q

What was a significant change in the Macpherson Constitution of 1951?

A

Extended the right to vote and created a National Council of Ministers

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24
Q

What was the effect of the Macpherson Constitution on regional governments?

A

It exacerbated tensions between different ethnicities

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25
Q

How did the Macpherson Constitution encourage nationalism?

A

It led to the growth of political parties competing for elections

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26
Q

What factors pushed Britain to grant independence to Nigeria in October 1960?

A

New political parties, concessions for reforms, and federal elections

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27
Q

What was the outcome of the constitutional reforms in Gambia post-WW2?

A

Independence achieved in February 1965

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28
Q

When did Sierra Leone achieve independence?

A

April 1961

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29
Q

What significant change occurred in Sierra Leone in 1922?

A

Division into a Colony and a Protectorate with different political systems

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30
Q

Who led the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)?

A

Sir Milton Margai

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31
Q

What was agreed upon in the talks in London in May 1961 regarding Sierra Leone?

A

Sierra Leone would be granted independence

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32
Q

What did British policy emphasize that contributed to nationalism in West Africa?

A

Economic development

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33
Q

True or False: British actions aimed to slow down independence in West Africa.

A

True

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34
Q

What was Britain’s hope for its East African colonies post-WWII?

A

Economic development and the creation of an East African Federation

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35
Q

What was the population trend in major urban centers of East Africa during this time?

A

Significant increases, with Nairobi’s population growing by half

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36
Q

How did nationalism manifest in East Africa compared to West Africa?

A

It was much more violent in parts of East Africa

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37
Q

Fill in the blank: The Tanganyika Groundnut Scheme was initiated in _______.

A

1946

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38
Q

What was the Tanganyika Groundnut scheme?

A

A plan initiated in 1946 to grow large quantities of groundnuts for cooking oil due to a shortage in Britain

The scheme involved heavy investment in equipment and infrastructure but was abandoned in 1951 after costing £49m due to difficult terrain.

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39
Q

What was the outcome of the Tanganyika Groundnut scheme?

A

It was abandoned in 1951, leaving the land uncultivatable and turned into a dust bowl

The failure of the scheme led to increased support for nationalist movements among East African peasants.

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40
Q

How did the failure of the Tanganyika Groundnut scheme influence nationalism?

A

It provoked East African peasants to support nationalist movements

The economic failure and its consequences led to a rise in nationalist sentiments.

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41
Q

What was the name of the nationalist party in Tanganyika?

A

Tanganyikan African Nationalist Union

The party was led by Julius Nyerere and had significant support.

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42
Q

Who led the Tanganyikan African Nationalist Union?

A

Julius Nyerere

Nyerere was a key figure in the push for independence in Tanganyika.

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43
Q

How did nationalists put pressure on the colonial administration in Tanganyika?

A

Nyerere demanded self-government and threatened strikes and boycotts

This pressure contributed to the eventual acceptance of independence.

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44
Q

Why did Britain accept Tanganyika’s independence?

A

Tanganyika had little economic or strategic importance to Britain

Independence was granted in 1961, and it later joined with Zanzibar to become Tanzania.

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45
Q

What happened to Tanganyika after gaining independence?

A

It joined with Zanzibar to form Tanzania

This union marked a significant moment in East African history.

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46
Q

Why did independence seem unlikely in Uganda in 1959?

A

Serious tribal divisions within the colony raised concerns of a bloodbath if Britain withdrew too rapidly

These divisions complicated the political landscape in Uganda.

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47
Q

Why did Britain decide to grant independence to Uganda?

A

Uganda seemed on the verge of becoming ungovernable due to tribal differences

Independence was granted in October 1962 as Britain aimed to avoid repression.

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48
Q

What was the situation in Kenya after World War II?

A

It was Britain’s most valuable east African possession, with a white population controlling most of the best land

This control hindered black political advancement.

49
Q

Why did the Kikuyu tribe resort to violent protest in the 1950s?

A

Long-standing grievances against white settlers’ treatment led to the Mau Mau uprising

The uprising occurred between 1952 and 1956 due to mechanization efforts displacing peasant growers.

50
Q

How did the Mau Mau Rebellion affect British colonial administration in Kenya?

A

The British crushed the rebellion, weakening their moral authority and increasing support for nationalists

Outrage grew in Britain after the deaths of eleven prisoners at Hola Camp in March 1959.

51
Q

How did developments in Tanganyika and Uganda affect Kenya?

A

The granting of independence in neighboring colonies encouraged nationalism in Kenya

This regional context played a significant role in shaping Kenyan politics.

52
Q

Why weren’t white settlers in Kenya able to prevent the drift towards majority rule?

A

They were not united, with some willing to form a multiracial party

This division among settlers weakened their political influence.

53
Q

What was the name of the nationalist party in Kenya?

A

Kenyan African National Union

The party was led by Jomo Kenyatta.

54
Q

What happened at the London Conference in January 1960?

A

It was attended by white and black Kenyan politicians; the ban on African political movements was lifted

A new constitution was devised giving elected Africans a majority in the Kenyan legislature.

55
Q

Why was the London Conference in January 1960 significant?

A

It established principles of self-government under majority rule, making independence inevitable

Kenya became independent under Kenyatta in 1963.

56
Q

What was the Statute of Westminster and its significance for South Africa?

A

It gave full control to the white minority over internal affairs in South Africa in 1931

This statute marked a significant step towards autonomy for the dominions of the British Empire.

57
Q

What policy did the Afrikaner Nationalist party implement after winning power in 1948?

A

Apartheid

Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa.

58
Q

Who led the opposition to apartheid in South Africa?

A

African National Congress, led by Nelson Mandela

The ANC became the principal organization opposing apartheid, advocating for equal rights.

59
Q

What was the Sharpeville Massacre and when did it occur?

A

69 protestors were killed by police in March 1960

This event marked a turning point in the anti-apartheid movement, drawing international condemnation.

60
Q

How did international opinion affect South Africa’s relationship with Britain?

A

International opinion was critical of South Africa’s apartheid policies, straining relations with Britain

Britain faced pressure to reassess its stance on its former colonies and their governance.

61
Q

What territories were involved in the Central African Federation (CAF)?

A

Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland

The CAF was established in 1953 to unify these territories against the backdrop of South African apartheid.

62
Q

What was the purpose of the CAF as envisaged by Britain?

A

To provide an effective counter-weight to South Africa and prevent apartheid from being implemented in these areas

The Federation aimed to create stability and control in the region.

63
Q

What event in 1957 influenced British views on the CAF?

A

Ghana’s independence

Ghana’s success in gaining independence inspired other nationalist movements throughout Africa.

64
Q

What was the outcome of the Devlin Commission’s inquiry in Nyasaland?

A

It condemned the Nyasaland government’s actions and accused it of running a police state

The inquiry highlighted the government’s repressive measures against political dissent.

65
Q

What significant change occurred in Nyasaland in July 1960?

A

Nyasaland was given a constitution ensuring a black majority in its legislative council

This was a crucial step towards majority rule and ultimate independence.

66
Q

What was the Monckton Commission’s finding regarding the Federation in 1960?

A

African distrust of the Federation had reached ‘almost pathological’ proportions

The Commission recommended significant structural changes to the Federation.

67
Q

What was the outcome of the Victoria Falls Conference in June 1963?

A

Agreed to dissolve the CAF by December 31, 1963, granting independence to Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia in 1964

This marked a pivotal moment in the decolonization process in Southern Africa.

68
Q

Who became the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia in 1964?

A

Ian Smith

Smith’s leadership was characterized by a refusal to concede to black majority rule.

69
Q

What was UDI in the context of Southern Rhodesia?

A

Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Britain in 1965

UDI was declared by Ian Smith’s government, leading to international sanctions.

70
Q

What were the new names for Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland after gaining independence?

A

Zambia and Malawi

Both countries joined the Commonwealth in 1964 with provisions for black majority rule.

71
Q

What was the Bush War in Rhodesia?

A

A long guerrilla war between white settlers and African nationalists

This conflict arose after Ian Smith’s declaration of independence and continued for many years.

72
Q

Fill in the blank: Bechuanaland became _______ in 1966.

A

Botswana

73
Q

Fill in the blank: Basutoland became _______ in 1966.

A

Lesotho

74
Q

True or False: The CAF was successful in preventing the implementation of apartheid in its member territories.

A

False

Despite initial intentions, the CAF could not prevent the rise of nationalist movements and the push for independence.

75
Q

What factors contributed to Britain’s decision to grant independence to Burma?

A

• Occupation by Japan during WWII
• Collaboration of many Burmese with Japan
• Resentment towards Britain
• Violent activities of nationalists
• Ascendancy of the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPEL), led by Aung San
• Breakdown of order hastening withdrawal

Aung San was a key figure in the independence movement in Burma.

76
Q

Who were the main nationalist leaders fighting for independence in Burma?

A

• Aung San
• Burmese Independence Army
• Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPEL)

77
Q

What year did Burma gain independence?

A

January 1948

78
Q

How successful was British withdrawal from Burma?

A

Not very successful; it led to civil war and rejection of British Commonwealth

79
Q

Why did Britain view Malaya as crucial after WWII?

A

It was a major producer of rubber, important for post-war recovery and imperial strategy

80
Q

What were the key ethnic groups involved in the independence movement in Malaya?

A

• Malays
• Chinese
• Indians

81
Q

What organization was created to fight for the rights of the Malay peoples?

A

United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)

82
Q

What was the demographic composition of Malaya in 1947?

A

• Chinese: 38.4%
• Malays: 49.5%

83
Q

What was the significance of the Federation of Malaya established in January 1948?

A

It represented a new political structure with restricted definition of Malay citizenship, leading to ethnic tensions

84
Q

What was the Malayan Communist Party’s role in the independence movement?

A

They launched an insurgency in 1948 that lasted until 1960

85
Q

What was declared by Britain in June 1948 in response to the insurgency?

A

State of Emergency

86
Q

What was the outcome of the federal elections in 1955 in Malaya?

A

Both Malays and Chinese united against British rule and won 81% of the votes

87
Q

What commission was established in 1955 to draft a new democratic constitution for Malaya?

A

Reid Commission

88
Q

What year was Malaya granted independence?

A

1957

89
Q

What was the fate of Singapore in relation to Malaya after independence?

A

It joined with Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak to form Malaysia in 1963 but was expelled in 1965

90
Q

What was the primary reason for Britain’s strategic interest in Singapore after WWII?

A

It had a major naval base and was crucial for military strategy in Asia

91
Q

Which political party in Singapore had some communist leanings?

A

People’s Association Party (PAP)

92
Q

What was the State of Singapore Act and when was it implemented?

A

Implemented in 1958, it provided full internal self-government for Singapore

93
Q

What led to Singapore’s expulsion from Malaysia in 1965?

A

Ethnic tensions and race riots between Chinese and Malays

94
Q

Fill in the blank: The first leader of Singapore was _______.

A

David Marshall

95
Q

True or False: The scheme to unite Singapore with Malaya was successful and lasted for many years.

A

False

96
Q

What was the purpose of the Cyprus Convention of 1878?

A

To provide that Cyprus, while remaining under Turkish sovereignty, should be administered by the British government

This was part of Britain’s strategic interests in the eastern Mediterranean.

97
Q

What was Britain’s aim in occupying Cyprus?

A

To secure a base in the eastern Mediterranean for possible operations in the Caucasus or Mesopotamia

This was related to Britain’s guarantee to secure the sultan’s Asian possessions from Russia.

98
Q

What happened to Cyprus in 1914?

A

Britain annexed the island after becoming adversaries with Turkey during World War I

Turkey recognized this annexation under the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.

99
Q

What was the status of Cyprus in 1925?

A

Cyprus was officially declared a crown colony.

100
Q

How did the Greek population initially view British occupation?

A

It was welcomed with the expectation that Cyprus would be transferred to Greece.

101
Q

What was the impact of World War II on Cyprus?

A

Cyprus was virtually untouched, apart from a few air raids.

102
Q

What proposals were published by the governor of Cyprus in 1947?

A

Proposals for greater self-government in accordance with the British Labour Party’s declaration on colonial policy.

103
Q

What was the Greek Cypriots’ primary demand?

A

Enosis (union with Greece).

104
Q

Who opposed the Greek Cypriots’ demand for enosis?

A

Turkish Cypriots.

105
Q

Who began a campaign for enosis in 1955?

A

Lieutenant Colonel Georgios Grivas.

106
Q

What was the National Organization of Cypriot Struggle (EOKA) known for?

A

Bombing public buildings and attacking both Greek Cypriot and British opponents of enosis.

107
Q

What role did Archbishop Makarios III play in the independence movement?

A

He championed the national aspirations of the Greek Cypriots.

108
Q

What significant event occurred in 1931 in Cyprus?

A

The demand for enosis led to riots in Nicosia.

109
Q

What was the outcome of the proposals for self-government in 1956?

A

All proposals were rejected and EOKA’s attacks continued.

110
Q

What happened to Archbishop Makarios III in 1956?

A

He was deported to Seychelles.

111
Q

What did Fazıl Küçük demand on behalf of Turkish Cypriots?

A

Either retrocession to Turkey or partition.

112
Q

What agreement was reached in February 1959?

A

A Greek-Turkish compromise regarding Cyprus.

113
Q

What year did Cyprus become an independent republic?

A

1960.

114
Q

What sovereignty did Britain retain after Cyprus gained independence?

A

Sovereignty over military bases at Akrotiri and Dhekélia.

115
Q

What were the terms regarding the new republic of Cyprus?

A

It would not participate in a political or economic union with any other state, nor would it be subject to partition.

116
Q

Which countries guaranteed the independence of Cyprus?

A

Greece, Turkey, and Britain.

117
Q

Who were elected as the first president and vice president of Cyprus in December 1959?

A

Makarios as president and Küçük as vice president.

118
Q

What representation did Turkish Cypriots have in the new government structure?

A

They represented three-tenths of the civil service and two-fifths of the army.

119
Q

What was established as part of the new government of Cyprus?

A

A joint Greek and Turkish military headquarters.

AQA History A Level British Empire (8 decks)

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