Why did the British Empire grow and contract: 1947-1967

Question 1

Post-war policy in Africa

Answer 1

Post-war imperialist policy placed emphasis on developing African colonies so that they could contribute to Britain’s post-war economic recovery.

Question 2

Overview of the Gold Coast

Answer 2

• 1946 Burns Constitution established Legislative Council with 12 British nominees and 18 elected African members however final power still held by British Governor
• Convention People’s Party founded by Kwame Nkrumah in 1949
• Pressurised British administration to make further concessions: Legislative Council made larger → Legislative Assembly, increase number of people who could vote increased however British Governor still retained power
• CPP won ⅔ of the seats in the Legislative Assembly in 1951, leading to Nkrumah’s release from prison (positive action turned violent) and given position of Prime Minister in 1952, members of the CPP took posts as government ministers
• 6th March 1957 the Gold Coast gained independence as Ghana
• Conclusion: Independence in Ghana due to growth in political awareness and pressure for more self rule

Question 3

Overview of Northern Rhodesia

Answer 3

-Britain vetoed the Nationalist prisoners in Northern Rhodesia and ordered their release

-After the CAF was dissolved. Britain placed in the steps to a majority rule Northern Rhodesia.

-In 1964 Kenneth Kaunda Led Northern Rhodesia to independence and named it Zambia

-Conclusion: Independence was due to Britain collaborating with the colonies

Question 4

Overview of Burma

Answer 4

• Violent activities of nationalists and the ascendancy of the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL), led by Aung San, preceded independence in 1948 - Organised anti-British civil disobedience, protests, riots
• 1946: Instatement of Hubert Rance - Places Aung San in charge of the ruling Executive Council, relocating control of Burma to nationalist leadership in December 1946: Britain declares intent to retreat from Burma calling it “ungovernable”
• Negotiations between Aung San and Attlee’s government in January 1947 agreed that elections for a Constituent Assembly (body elected to draw up constitution for a state) would take place in April 1948
• Burma gained independence in 1948 but led to civil war and the Burmese people rejecting Britain and the idea to join the Commonwealth
• The colonial administration was initially pushed to consider Burmese independence, however the support for independence for Burma from the new, liberal Governor led to semi-managed withdrawal by 1948.