Section Three-Impact of the Second World War

Question 1

How did Japan take a lot of Britain’s empire during WW2?

Answer 1

• Japan seized Singapore in Feb 1942; Britain’s main military naval base in the region (largest surrender of British troops in history)
• Japan seized Hong Kong, overran Malaya and Burma

Question 2

How did Japan taking territories spark movements in South East Asia?

Answer 2

• Ended the myth of ‘white invincibility
• Gave confidence to independence movements across SE Asia
• 30,000 Indian troops were captured by Japanese in Singapore and joined INA (aimed to rid India and Asia of the British
• In Burma, Aung San, formed Burma Independence army which also fought against the British

Question 3

Why was North Africa important during WW2?

Answer 3

• It was an important battleground between Britain and its enemies
• Britain was desperate to preserve its influence in Egypt and access to Suez and oil in the Midlde East

Question 4

Why did Britain withdraw from the Middle East?

Answer 4

• Britain’s economic position had been severely weakened
• First majority Labour government was elected to power and Labour always more sceptical about Empire than Tory
• Independence movements had grown stronger, particularly in India and the Middle East