IB SL History Paper 2 Flashcards
Algerian Independence Movement
External Factors (1954 - 1962)
a. International Context:
The Algeria Independence Movement, which culminated in 1962, was significantly influenced by the changing dynamics of the post-World War II international order. The anti-colonial sentiments sweeping through Africa and Asia provided Algeria with moral and diplomatic support.
b. Decolonization Trends:
The global trend towards decolonization created an environment conducive to Algeria’s independence. The success of other independence movements, particularly in neighboring countries, inspired and emboldened Algerian nationalists.
Algerian Independence Movement
Internal Factors
a. Nationalist Movements:
Internally, the Algerian struggle for independence was fueled by robust nationalist movements. Organizations like the National Liberation Front (FLN) played a crucial role in mobilizing the population and articulating the demand for self-determination.
b. Socio-economic Disparities:
Economic grievances and social disparities within Algeria also contributed to internal discontent. The desire for economic justice and an end to French exploitation provided a strong internal impetus for the independence movement.
AIM
International Context
1941 Atlantic Charter - Document written by FDR and Churchill, in which they promised their support for self-determination. This idea of people being able to choose their government became a key demand in the Algerian independence movement.
AIM
Decolonization Trends
1939: Japanese army’s success during WW2 defeated the myth of “white supremacy”
1946: Vietnam & Indochina wars occupied the French attention, so they didn’t rly react to the Algerian independence movements
France was defeated by Vietnam
Lost protectorate (vs settler) colonies of Morocco and Tunisia soon after
Suez canal (connects Red sea to Mediterranean sea, revolutionizes trade) becomes nationalized under Egyption government → blow to Western powers, big moment of Pan-Arabism
AIM Nationalist Movements (Social factor)
1937: Messali Hadj (“father of Algerian Nationalism”) formed the Parti du Peuple Algérien (PPA), which was similar to the Étoile Nord-Africaine (a movement led by him that aimed to protect the rights of migrant workers in France, had demands for Algeria such as establishment of Arabic schools, free press, independence) in France. His attempt to mobilize urban workers/peasant farmers was shut down.
1945 Setif Massacre: Algerian nationalists marching with flags representing the movement were violently attacked by the police. Between 15,000 and 45,000 Algerians were killed. Turning point in relations
Union démocratique du manifeste algérien (UDMA): Result of harsh repression seen in the Setif massacre, one of several new nationalist movements formed by Ferhat Abbas (a moderate). Called for republican, free, secular Algeria while still maintaining loose connection to France
Front de Libération Nationale (FLN): formed by a group of Algerian Nationalists including Ahmed Ben Bella in 1954. They planned to liberate Algeria from French control in an armed uprising.
AIM Social and Economic Disparities (internal factor)
French completely controlled industry in Algeria: Limited employment opportunities for Algerians
French had control of the arable land: Algerians driven off their lands and forced into cities
- Algerians were denied French citizenship
- A large number of Algerians lived in slums
- Algerians had limited educational opportunities
- Bitterness due to living and working conditions:
- Land reserved for Algerians was over-grazed, dry, eroded
- The economy ran on mercantilism, French exploited the land for food & cash crops
- Algeria used to have a self-sufficient farming system, but France repurposed it for wine, grain, and olive oil
- Pay was low and high tax
AIM Economic Factors
Economic Factors:
a. Economic Exploitation:
Economic exploitation by the French colonial authorities was a significant driver of the Algerian independence movement. The unequal distribution of resources, land expropriation, and exploitation of natural wealth created economic disparities and fueled the desire for economic autonomy.
b. Rural-Urban Divide:
Economic disparities between rural and urban areas contributed to social unrest. The rural population, in particular, faced economic challenges, leading to grievances against the colonial economic system. The independence movement addressed these disparities as part of its broader struggle.
c. Land Reforms:
The demand for land reforms and the redistribution of agricultural resources were key economic aspects of the independence movement. Agrarian issues were deeply connected to the broader socio-economic agenda, reflecting the desire for a more equitable society post-independence.
Nationalism similarities
- Unifying force (India: Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized a common national identity that transcended linguistic, religious, and regional differences)
- Resistance against cultural assimilation
- Struggle for self-determination
Nationalism differences
- Colonial Power and nature of occupation (The French occupation of Algeria was marked by a more direct and prolonged military presence. Algerian nationalism emerged in response to both settler colonialism and direct French rule, leading to armed resistance.
British colonial rule in India had a more indirect administrative structure, with a significant reliance on local intermediaries. The Indian nationalist movement encompassed both non-violent resistance, led by figures like Gandhi, and armed struggles in certain regions.) - Religious identity (Algeria united with Islamic traditions and values whereas India was divided on the front of Hinduism vs Muslim religion)
- Nature of independence struggle (violent vs non-violent)
India External factors (1857-1947)
a. World Wars:
The Indian Independence Movement, culminating in 1947, was influenced by external factors such as the two World Wars. The demands for self-determination gained traction as the British Empire weakened due to the strains of the wars, creating an opportunity for India to press for independence.
b. Global Anti-Colonial Sentiments:
Similar to Algeria, India benefited from global anti-colonial sentiments. The emergence of a new world order, coupled with the principles enshrined in the Atlantic Charter, further bolstered India’s case for independence on the international stage.
India Internal factors
a. Leadership and Movements:
The Indian National Congress, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, played a pivotal role in mobilizing internal support. The non-violent resistance and mass movements organized by Indian leaders became powerful tools in the fight for independence.
b. Cultural Identity:
The preservation of cultural identity and a sense of nationalism were strong internal factors. The Indian independence movement was deeply rooted in the idea of reclaiming cultural heritage and establishing a sovereign state based on principles of justice and equality.
India social factors
- nationalism, groups, movements, Amritsar massacre
- plight of diaspora (indentured labor under colonialism) led to nationalism
- caste system
india economic factors
- Brits collected tax to fund capital investments, EIC shares, and funds for India gov
- 1914 Balance of trade = Brit’s biggest export mrkt
Brit bought cotton, jute, indigo, rice and tea - India bought Brit manufactured goods
- The agricultural land became used for cash crops = deteriorate
- Indian soldiers, paid for by Indian tax payers, were used to protect trade routes and serve British interests in China, East Africa and the Middle East.
- Were indentured servants in the West Indies, Africa, Asia
- The economic strains resulting from the two World Wars exposed the vulnerability of the British Empire. The economic hardships faced by India during this period, coupled with the British government’s inability to address pressing economic issues, provided impetus to the demand for self-rule.
c. Economic Self-Reliance:
Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru advocated for economic self-reliance as a crucial component of India’s independence. The emphasis on developing indigenous industries and breaking free from the economic dependence on colonial powers resonated with the broader aspirations for a free and economically prosperous nation.
india nationalism, movements, groups
- 1857: Indian Uprising: From 1857-1858 there was an uprising against the control of the EIC that would be regarded as the First War of Independence by Indian nationalists (Indian Revolt by historians). This uprising began among sepoys (Indians serving in the British army) and was widely supported. This resulted in the British Government sending troops to India to stop the rebellion and take control from the EIC.
- 1855 Indian National Congress formed: elite educated Indians that wanted more gov rep, used petitions for greater rep; This group was primarily representative of the interests of the wealthy and saw themselves as the connecting link between Indian citizens and British power
- This was the administrative branch of the British Raj. Indians formed the majority of the staff of the ICS, however, they still did not have any real representation in the government. One of the demands of the Indian National Congress was to have easier access to the Indian Civil Service.
- Amristar Massacre: Following the First World War, which many Indians served in, there was a rise in national sentiment. The British government claimed that they would begin to transition to self government ‘soon’. However, the INC and Muslim League felt that this did not go far enough. The British introduced harsh repressive measures in response to the opposition. These measures resulted in mass protest, including ignoring bans on large public meetings. During a public meeting of 5000 people, General Reginald Dyer called for British soldiers to open fire on the protestors. All of the protestors were unarmed and 379 were killed and 1000 were wounded, many of whom were women or children. This resulted in an increase of support for the INC and an end to British rule.
india and religion
1905 Partition of Bengal
Calcutta (80 mil ppl) was majority Bengali-Hindus. The split would cause a Bengali half and a Hindu half.
Benaglis saw it as a ploy to weaken their power
petitions, protests in the press, rallies, boycotts of good
New Party led by radicals to actively oppose Brit rule
1906 Muslim League
Formed to protect the interests of the Muslim minority
