Post-war Collapse of Overseas Empires Flashcards
When were most of Europe’s colonies independent? What did it mean?
- European power had declined. The colonies might be vulnerable to communist influence or choose to be communist. Might still be economically dependent.
Why didn’t the French easily give up Algeria or Indochina?
It was considered a part of France. De Gall said it would be like loosing a right arm. Over 1 million French citizens lived there (the Pieds Noirs). 132 years of rule in Algeria. They didn’t want to be shamed further (defeated in 6 weeks and lots of collaborators).
Why did Britain easily give up Empire?
Bankrupt after the war, couldn’t afford to hang on. Wanted the “Commonwealth” to get along. Indian nationalism. Lots of Indians were educated in Britain, and when they returned they wondered why they weren’t fit to run the country. If colonies had to fight for independence they might ask for communist help.
They had agreed to talk about independence after first war, and again in the second if India helped out. They had, they earned it.
Which countries were minor colonial powers?
Belgium in the Congo, Netherlands in East Indies, Portugal
Which countries claimed to be anti-colonial superpowers?
Soviet Union and U.S. Lenin said imperialism was a stepping stone to capitalism. US Monroe doctrine was anti-colonial. US relied on economic dominance. Both had toes in imperialism: Philippines, Hawaii, Afghanistan.
Who did America kick out of the Philippines and what happened after?
Spain. Philippines fought until 1913. America gave some self-government - elected president, legislation. Thought the country is controlled by wealthy oligarchs who will trade with America. Japan occupied it in 1942 after MacArthur ran away “I will return.” He returned in 1944, but no land redistribution - fuck the peasants. US Navy and Air bases stay.
Who was the leader of the Indonesian independence movement? Outline Road to independence
Sukarno, a longtime opponent of Dutch rule who was freed from prison by Japan. He collaborated, but carefully, and Japan surrenders to him Aug 1945. They’re free until British and Dutch troops arrive a few months later to take it back - they want minerals and petroleum for rebuild. Fight a four year war, but Marshall makes them give it up in exchange for Marshall Plan dough.
Who are the major players in Indochina?
Communist Viet Minh in North
Liberal Nationalists in South
French oppose Indochina Republic, use Foreign Legion
U.S. back France 1952 (Truman), pays for 75% then takes over.
Why did France use the Foreign Legion
French people dgaf about Indochina after the war. Can’t use French troops because public opinion won’t allow it.
Who was supplying the Viet Minh?
The People’s Republic of China.
Why did the U.S. back France in Indochina?
Need them in NATO, domino theory of communist states
Outline Battle of Dien Bien Phu 1954
The French planned to lure the Vietnamese forces into a decisive battle, but they had been surrounded by well-positioned artillery scaled onto mountain slopes and even dug in through the mountains overlooking the French positions. Anti-aircraft guns made it difficult for the French to resupply as they were deep in the highlands. The French were eventually overrun and France got a new government. The Geneva accords gave Vietnam independence, but divided the country in two, leading to the Vietnam War later.
Which colonies were held on to for longer?
British Kenya until 1950s, Portuguese in Angola and Mozambique until 1975, Rhodesia settlers defeated in 1980, 4 million white settlers in South Africa - Apartheid until 1994.
