Impact Of WW2 Flashcards
How was the empire more directly damaged by WW2 than WW1?
Although troops from the Empire had participated in WW1, the very vast area of warfare during WW2 meant the colonies were actually theatres for war, especially in North Africa and Southeast Asia.
- this involvement again meant the colonies expected greater autonomy coming out of the war for the hardships they had to endure
What was Britain’s most devastating loss in Southeast Asia during WW2?
Singapore, February 1942 by Japan (Japan seized most major European imperial possessions in SE Asia)
Why was Japan such a threat to the British empire in WW2?
After seizing Hong Kong, Malaya and Burma, they seemed ready to attack India by the summer of 1942 (the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the empire)
How were the Japanese pushed back by the British during WW2?
. 1944 attempted Japanese invasion of India was narrowly defeated and Britain with allies could then push back the Japanese conquests
- display of the might of the empire, but definitely some lessons to be learned
What was the impact of the Japanese successes in Southeast Asia during WW2?
. The myth of the ‘white invincibility’ of the British empire was ended, although Britain’s arrogance probably still made them feel they were superior
. New confidence to independence movements across Southeast Asia as British influence had been shaken (they might start to realise their empire was too big and allow some autonomy)
How were independence movements clearly more fierce in Southeast Asia during WW2?
. 30k Indian troops captured by Japanese in Singapore joined the INA, aiming to rid Asia and India of British influence
. Burma - independence leader Aung San formed the Burma independence army under the guidance of the Japanese, fighting against the British
Clearly Japanese influence is growing and overpowering popularity of British
How were independence movements clearly more fierce in Southeast Asia during WW2?
. 30k Indian troops captured by Japanese in Singapore joined the INA, aiming to rid Asia and India of British influence
. Burma - independence leader Aung San formed the Burma independence army under the guidance of the Japanese, fighting against the British
Clearly Japanese influence is growing and overpowering popularity of British
