Decolonisation

Question 1

How did WWII contribute to the drive for independence in the colonies?

Answer 1

Many people from the colonies fought for Britain during WWII, and as they contributed to the war effort, they felt they deserved independence in return.

Question 2

What event in 1947 marked a dramatic shift in Britain’s empire?

Answer 2

In 1947, Britain withdrew from India, marking a dramatic example of the retreat from empire.

Question 3

What significant independence events occurred in the 1950s and early 1960s?

Answer 3

1957: Ghana gained independence.
1960: Nigeria and Cyprus gained independence.
1961: South Africa left the Commonwealth.
1962: Uganda gained independence.
1963: Kenya gained independence.

Question 4

What remained of the British Empire after 1951?

Answer 4

By 1951, only a few problematic dependencies and island territories remained, too small to gain independence.

Question 5

What other countries were also facing decolonization pressures in the 1950s?

Answer 5

France faced pressure to decolonize in Vietnam, and Portugal was under pressure regarding its African territories, reflecting broader global trends in decolonization.