Winds of change Flashcards
Where and when did Macmillan give his ‘Wind of Change’ speech?
Macmillan gave his ‘Wind of Change’ speech in Cape Town in 1960.
What shift in British policy was signaled by Macmillan’s ‘Wind of Change’ speech?
The speech marked a shift towards supporting nationalist sentiment in Empire countries, moving away from trying to defeat them and instead persuading them to accept majority rule under British representation.
What was the underlying reason for Macmillan’s ‘Wind of Change’ speech?
The speech was partly to save face, as it was not truly a voluntary decision by Britain to let colonies go, but rather a result of circumstances forcing Britain’s hand.
What was the impact of Macmillan’s speech on British colonial policy?
It led to a profit and loss audit for each remaining colony, revealing that Britain was primarily interested in economic benefits. It also became clear that maintaining the empire was a heavy financial burden.
How many colonies gained independence between January 1957 and October 1964?
Between January 1957 and October 1964, 20 colonies gained independence.
What was Iain Macleod’s role in British colonial policy, and what did he announce in 1959?
Iain Macleod was the Colonial Secretary, and in 1959, he announced that he hoped to be the last person to hold the position, signaling the end of British colonial governance.
How did British trade patterns change in the 1960s?
The percentage of trade within the Empire and Commonwealth halved in the 1960s, while European trade was growing.
What global trend was occurring alongside Britain’s decolonization process?
Alongside Britain’s decolonization, other empires were also falling, such as France in Indo-China and Belgium in the Congo.
How did US attitudes towards imperialism affect Britain’s position?
The United States was increasingly hostile to imperialism, and Britain needed US support, which further pressured Britain to decolonize.
