The end of the European empires
ICSE · Class 12 · History
Quick revision notes for The end of the European empires — ICSE Class 12 History. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.
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1. Why the European empires declined after 1945
- In 1945, Europe still claimed large empires in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and elsewhere.
- Britain had the largest empire by area, and France had the second largest.
- Many colonial peoples had long been dissatisfied because European rule was linked with exploitation, poverty, and racial discrimination.
2. Indian independence and Partition
- The Indian National Congress had been agitating against British rule since 1885.
- The Morley-Minto reforms of 1909, the Montague-Chelmsford reforms of 1919, and the Government of India Act of 1935 gave Indians increasing self-government before independence.
- In 1938, Jawaharlal Nehru discussed Labour’s withdrawal policy with Clement Attlee.
3. The West Indies, Malaya, and Cyprus
- These territories show that decolonization did not follow one single pattern.
- Federation means a number of states join under a central government while keeping their own local legislatures.
- The West Indies Federation was set up in 1958 and lasted until 1962.
4. Britain leaves Africa
- African nationalism grew rapidly after 1945 because more Africans were educated and aware of racial discrimination.
- Britain often preferred gradual withdrawal and hoped to preserve influence through trade and the Commonwealth.
- This continued influence through economic means is called neo-colonialism.
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