4.4 - Imperial Attitudes and Role of Individuals Flashcards
What were the reasons for the growth of nationalism from 1947-67?
• Urbanisation/Economic development from WW2
• Education
• Inspiration from Indian independence
• Changed world after WW2 – both main powers are anti-imperialist
• Failings of Britain to govern effectively
• Political concessions
• Unity and leadership helped bring disparate people together
• Cold War -quest to find moderates to work with
How did nationalist leaders apply pressure on the British government?
• Some were politicians that negotiated with the British
• Peaceful non-cooperation – influenced by Gandhi
• Violent protest or threats of violence e.g. rioting
• Forming political organisations and fighting election campaigns
How influential were nationalist leaders in bringing about decolonisation?
• Led nationalism movements – often became leaders of the new nation states
• Widespread support for them in the colonies – ad public opinion behind them
• Influential in other places e.g. Nkrumah
• They had the opportunity to negotiate directly with the British
• Britain was prepared to grant independence
• The mass movement was important
• Not all nationalist leaders were supported by the people in the nation
• Within African colonies there was the fear that power would be seized by one tribe, region or religious group
• Britain could hope for support from conservative vested interest groups within the colonies if there was threat of social upheaval
• Britain had the military power to hold nationalist movements in check
• Britain allowed movements to grow through constitutional reforms
• Britain wanted to maintain some control despite decolonisation
Who was Kwame Nkrumah and what was his political affiliation?
General Secretary of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGGC) and Convention People’s Party (CPP)
What actions did Kwame Nkrumah take in his quest for independence?
• Helped organise 5th Pan African Congress in London in 1945
• Formed Convention People’s Party which pressured British administration
• Became Prime Minister between 1953 and 1957
How influential was Kwame Nkrumah?
• Responded to demands for change
• Understood importance of developing working relationship with British
• Became a figurehead for African nationalism
• Advocated Pan-Africanism and founded the Organisation of African Unity in 1963
Who was Nnamdi Azikiwe and what was his political affiliation?
Leader of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)
What actions did Nnamdi Azikiwe take in his quest for independence?
• Helped create NCNC in 1944
• Negotiated with the NPC to establish Nigeria’s first government
How influential was Nnamdi Azikiwe?
• Compromised and won trust of various nationalists and the British
• Facilitated peaceful transition to independence
• Persuaded the British that different regional ethnic groups could work together
Who was Jomo Kenyatta and what was his political affiliation?
Kikuyu Central Association (KCA), Kenya Africa Union (KAU), Kenya African National Union (KANU)
What actions did Jomo Kenyatta take in his quest for independence?
• President of KAU from 1947
• Toured and lectured campaigning for land return and independence
• Elected leader of KANU in 1960 and negotiated with the British
How influential was Jomo Kenyatta?
• Helped create a prosperous capitalist state
• Oversaw peaceful land reform process
• Response to Mau Mau rebellion weakened Britain’s moral authority
Who was Hastings Banda and what was his political affiliation?
Nyasaland African Congress (NAC)
What actions did Hastings Banda take in his quest for independence?
• Spoke against colonialism
• Toured the CAF urging party membership
• Arrested during state of emergency
• Appointed PM of Nyasaland
How influential was Hastings Banda?
• Received enthusiastic responses during speeches
• Chose the name Malawi
Who was Kenneth Kaunda and what was his political affiliation?
ANC, Zambian African National Congress, United National Independence Party
What actions did Kenneth Kaunda take in his quest for independence?
• Secretary General of ANC in Northern Rhodesia
• Formed Zambian African National Congress in 1958
• Led civil disobedience campaign and warned of severe consequences for the British
How influential was Kenneth Kaunda?
• Helped Britain recognize black majority rule was irresistible
Who was Ian Smith and what was his political affiliation?
Rhodesian Front
What actions did Ian Smith take in his quest for independence?
• Elected to S. Rhodesian Parliament in 1948
• Supported proposed CAF
• Declared UDI in 1965
How influential was Ian Smith?
• Fearful of black majority rule, declared UDI before independence was granted
Who was Milton Obote and what was his political affiliation?
Uganda National Congress (UNC)
What actions did Milton Obote take in his quest for independence?
• Elected to the Colonial Legislative Council in 1957
• Appointed PM of independent Uganda in 1962
How influential was Milton Obote?
• Mediated between different political factions
Who was Julius Nyerere and what was his political affiliation?
Tanganyikan African Nationalist Union (TANU)
What actions did Julius Nyerere take in his quest for independence?
• Demanded self-government and threatened strikes
• Elected to the Legislative Council in 1958-59
• Negotiated with British for independence
How influential was Julius Nyerere?
• TANU had massive support
• Negotiated for independence
Who was Onn Jaafar and what was his political affiliation?
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)
What actions did Onn Jaafar take in his quest for independence?
• Founded UMNO
• Campaigned against Malay Union established by the British
• Organised rallies and negotiated with the British
How influential was Onn Jaafar?
• Protests caused British to change position on Malay Union
Who was Tan Cheng Lock and what was his political affiliation?
Malaysian Chinese Association
What actions did Tan Cheng Lock take in his quest for independence?
• Founded MCA
• Fought for constitutional change and inter-ethnic co-operation
• Worked with UMNO and negotiated with the British
How influential was Tan Cheng Lock?
• Trusted by British colonial officials
Who was Chin Peng and what was his political affiliation?
Malayan Communist Party
What actions did Chin Peng take in his quest for independence?
• Fought the British with the Malayan National Liberation Army during the Malayan Emergency
How influential was Chin Peng?
• Did not gain as much support as expected from the people
Who was Tunku Abdul Rahman and what was his political affiliation?
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)
What actions did Tunku Abdul Rahman take in his quest for independence?
• Spearheaded alliance between UMNO and MCA
• Became first chief minister of Malaya
• Led mission to London to negotiate for Malayan independence
How influential was Tunku Abdul Rahman?
• Created alliance with UMNO and MCA
Who was Aung San and what was his political affiliation?
Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League, Burmese Independence Party
What actions did Aung San take in his quest for independence?
• Helped Japan invade Burma in 1942
• Became ruler of Legislative Council
• Talked to British government in Jan 1947
How influential was Aung San?
• Highlighted extent of Burmese unrest but legitimised by British authority
Who was Lee Kuan Yew and what was his political affiliation?
People’s Association Party (PAP)
What actions did Lee Kuan Yew take in his quest for independence?
• Founded PAP
• Engaged in talks in London for self-rule
• Came to power in 1959
How influential was Lee Kuan Yew?
• Britain was fearful of communism and combined Singapore with Federation of Malaya
What were some challenges faced by colonial administrators between 1947-67?
International pressures, internal pressures from political representation, demands from the British government, need for political astuteness, managing aggressive nationalist leaders, and implementing unthinkable changes.
These challenges required a tough approach and the ability to judge a fast-changing public mood.
What was Sir Andrew Cohen’s role in the British Empire?
Assistant Under-Secretary of State for the Colonial Office’s African division in 1947 and Governor of Uganda from 1952 to 1957.
He was significant in shaping colonial policy in Africa.
What was Sir Andrew Cohen’s view on decolonisation?
He believed it was inevitable and wanted it to be a managed retreat.
What actions did Sir Andrew Cohen undertake regarding African governance?
Listened to nationalists, cultivated contacts in Africa, devolved power to indigenous officials, proposed the Central African Federation, and set out a new direction for colonial policy in the Cohen Report of 1947.
His approach aimed at gradual reform to achieve independence.
What was a significant event during Cohen’s governance in Uganda?
The unrest in Buganda following the proposal to set up the East African Federation.
What was the outcome of Cohen’s handling of Buganda?
He deported Kabaka Mutesa II, declared a state of emergency, and restored him in 1955, leading to Mutesa becoming Uganda’s first President in 1962.
What was Sir John Macpherson’s role in the British Empire?
Governor of Nigeria from 1948 to 1955.
What was Sir John Macpherson’s approach to decolonisation?
He introduced gradual reform and facilitated self-rule and independence.
What significant action did Sir John Macpherson take to address ethnic tensions in Nigeria?
Organised a major conference in 1951 to discuss a constitution accommodating different regions.
What was the outcome of Sir John Macpherson’s efforts?
He helped ensure that an independent Nigeria emerged in 1960 without collapsing into chaos.
What was Sir Charles Arden-Clarke’s role in the British Empire?
Governor of the Gold Coast in 1949.
What actions did Sir Charles Arden-Clarke undertake to manage Ghana’s political situation?
Secured Nkrumah’s release, managed relations between Nkrumah and Ashanti politicians, and delayed the independence timetable for a third general election.
This was to ensure Nkrumah demonstrated popular support.
What was Sir Charles Arden-Clarke’s view on decolonisation?
He increasingly saw his role as a facilitator of self-rule and independence.
What was Evelyn Baring’s role in the British Empire?
Governor of Kenya from 1952 to 1959.
What was Evelyn Baring’s stance on decolonisation?
He was committed to retaining control in Kenya.
What actions did Evelyn Baring take in response to the Mau Mau rebellion?
Declared a State of Emergency, played a role in suppressing the Kikuyu people, and managed public perception of colonial rule.
His approach was aimed at maintaining British authority.
What was Sir Gerald Templer’s role in the British Empire?
High Commissioner of Malaya from 1952 to 1954.
What was Sir Gerald Templer’s view on decolonisation?
He was appointed to handle the emergency situation following the assassination of the previous high commissioner.
What strategies did Sir Gerald Templer employ to counter the communist insurgency in Malaya?
Advocated for local support against communists, instituted incentive schemes, imposed strict curfews, and promised independence post-insurgency.
His approach included involving local populations in the fight against guerrillas.
What was Sir Donald MacGillivray’s role in the British Empire?
High Commissioner in Malaya from 1954 to 1957.
What was Sir Donald MacGillivray’s view on decolonisation?
He recognized it was inevitable and aimed to facilitate it.
What actions did Sir Donald MacGillivray take regarding Malaya’s independence?
Discussed independence openly, participated in the Monckton Commission, and signed the Federation of Malaya Agreement in 1957.
What was the outcome of Sir Donald MacGillivray’s actions?
Britain maintained influence in Malaya without further violence.
