Unit 8: Topic 5 - Decolonization

Question 1

Nonviolent Resistance

Answer 1

Achieving goals through nonviolent tactics. Examples of nonviolent resistance methods include boycotts, protests, civil disobedience, and sit-ins.

Question 2

Satyagraha

Answer 2

A policy that promotes passive political resistance. Gandhi introduced this concept of determined nonviolent resistance against British rule in India and future activists like MLK Jr. followed a similar policy.

Question 3

Salt March

Answer 3

Act of nonviolent civil disobedience to protest British rule in India, particularly the British salt monopoly and the salt tax. The march was led by Gandhi in 1930 and became a symbolic victory that fueled India’s independence movement.

Question 4

All-India Muslim League

Answer 4

Political group that advocated for the creation of a separate Muslim nation during the partition of British India (1947). After the formation of Pakistan, the league became the leading political party in Pakistan but lost prominence by the 1970s.

Question 5

Republic of Ghana

Answer 5

To achieve independence for Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah led the nationalist movement for independence and used nonviolent resistance methods influenced by Gandhi. Previously known as the Gold Coast, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan colony to gain independence from colonial rule, creating the Republic of Ghana in 1957.

Question 6

Positive Action

Answer 6

A campaign of political protests and strikes led by Kwame Nkrumah with the main goal of combatting imperialism in British-ruled Ghana. The campaign ended with Kwame Nkrumah’s successful election to lead the newly created Republic of Ghana.

Question 7

Angolan Independence War

Answer 7

A guerilla war between the Portuguese army and armed groups in Angola. The war started as an uprising against the forced cultivation of cotton. After many years of conflict and nationalist movements, Portugal granted Angola independence in 1975.

Question 8

Viet Cong

Answer 8

The communist organization that operated in Indochina, but supported North Vietnam and the unification of Vietnam, and fought against the US in the Vietnam War, using effective guerilla techniques when fighting.

Question 9

Pan-Africanism

Answer 9

The belief that people of African descent have common interests and should be unified. The Pan-African movement was dedicated to gaining independence for African nations and fostering unity between African people worldwide.

Question 10

Quebecois Movement

Answer 10

Also known as the Quebec sovereignty movement, the Quebecois Movement called for the independence of Quebec from Canada. Supporters of independence used the concept of self-determination to justify forming a new sovereign state and were influenced by Quebec nationalism.

Question 11

Mahatma Gandhi

Answer 11

Mahatma Gandhi (also known as Mohandas Gandhi) led the nationalist movement against British rule in India. He introduced the concept of Satyagraha, or determined nonviolent resistance, which influenced future movements and activists such as MLK Jr. and Kwame Nkrumah. Gandhi helped India achieve independence in 1947 with these peaceful methods; an example would be the Salt March.

Question 12

Charles de Gaulle

Answer 12

French army officer and statesman that led the Free French forces against Nazi Germany in WWII. He became president and some of his notable policies were ending the Algerian War by granting Algeria independence and shifting France’s African territories into independent nations.

Question 13

Ho Chi Minh

Answer 13

Vietnamese nationalist leader who fought against the Japanese during the Axis occupation of French Indochina in World War II, then fought the French after the war, then fought the American-supported regime in South Vietnam to create a unified communist Vietnam in 1975.

Question 14

Indira Gandhi

Answer 14

Prime minister of India (1966-1977, 1980-1984) that implemented major reforms, such as a strict population-control program, and mobilized Indian forces against Pakistan. She also helped to reduce the high inflation and poverty in India.

Question 15

one-party state

Answer 15

A type of sovereign state that only permits one political party in the government. Prominent examples of one-party states include the Soviet Union and Vietnam.

Question 16

Algerian War for Independence

Answer 16

A guerilla war between France and the National Liberation Front (FLN), an organization that wanted a sovereign Algerian state. The Algerian independence movement gained momentum after the French promises of greater self-rule in Algeria were not delivered after the end of WWII (1945), leading to the FLN starting the war (1954). The French president later ended the war and granted Algeria independence, creating the new sovereign state in 1962.

Question 17

Algerian Civil War

Answer 17

A civil war (1991-2002) between the Algerian government and Islamist rebel groups. The conflict began when the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) party seemed poised to win the national elections against the National Liberation Front (FLN). The military then seized control of the government and Islamist guerilla groups emerged with an armed campaign against the government. Extreme brutality and violence was used against civilians including children.

Question 18

Suez Crisis

Answer 18

In 1956, the president of Egypt seized and nationalized the Suez Canal, an important canal for facilitating trade in Africa. This action hindered European interests, leading to Britain, France, and Israel invading Egypt. These invasions were opposed by the US and the USSR, so they looked to the UN for a resolution.

Question 19

Biafran Civil War

Answer 19

Also known as the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafran Civil War (1967-1970) was a war between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a state that had declared independence from Nigeria in 1967. The conflict was a result of tensions between the two groups, particularly ethnic and religious tensions. Yet, the Nigerian government wouldn’t allow Biafra to secede, and Biafran fighters fought back against Nigerian forces in a vicious war. It became a humanitarian disaster, with more than a million people dying, particularly from starvation. The Republic of Biafra ceased to exist after they surrendered in 1970.

Question 20

Quiet Revolution

Answer 20

Period of rapid cultural and political change in Quebec, Canada in the 1960s. Quebec was highly industrialized and progressive, while the government held outdated conservative ideologies. In 1960, the Quebec Liberal Party won the popular vote for government. The Quebec Liberal Party, under Jean Lesage, developed a platform focused on change and followed through with successful reforms.

Question 21

Organization of African Unity (OAU)

Answer 21

Intergovernmental organization established in 1963. The organization’s goals were to end colonialism and apartheid in Africa, encourage African unity and solidarity, and have cooperation with the member states for defense and security.