The Global History and Impact of Decolonization

Understanding the Process of Decolonization

Decolonization refers to the often long, tortuous, and violent process by which colonies achieve their national aspirations for political independence from the colonial metropolitan power. Decolonization can be understood as the final phase of colonialism.

The Historical Waves of Independence

The first wave of decolonization came in 1776 when British North American colonies declared independence. While Britain maintained its Caribbean and Canadian territories, the Napoleonic upheavals in Europe so weakened Spain and Portugal that regions from Mexico to Chile expelled their imperial masters. By 1825, the Spanish and Portuguese empires were dead.

Decolonization Between 1825 and World War II

In the subsequent 115 years (up to World War II), decolonization was limited to Cuba in 1898 and two groups of British colonies: the White settler colonies were granted internal autonomy and finally full sovereignty in 1931; and Egypt and Iraq after World War I.

The Post-World War II Era

World War II sounded the death knell for European colonization. Key transitions included:

• India's separation from the British
• Indonesia's independence from the Dutch
• The liberation of Arab mandated territories and Indochina from the French

The independence of Ghana in 1957 set off an avalanche of liberations in Africa, though the process was not complete until 1990 (Namibia). Over 100 new independent states were created between 1945 and 1989.

The Impact of the Second World War

The Second World War dealt a serious blow to the colonial powers. The Netherlands, Belgium, and France had been defeated and occupied, while the United Kingdom was seriously depleted. Furthermore, the emergence of two anti-colonialist superpowers—the United States and the Soviet Union—and the new international climate after 1945 encouraged the colonies to make a bid for independence.

Modern Imperialism and National Identity

Although scholarly interest waned with decolonization, imperialism nonetheless remains a vibrant issue now. Weakly institutionalized groups within multinational states, such as the Chechens in Russia or the Tibetans in China, are pressing demands for independence. Other groups are rediscovering nationalist identities, like the Scots in Great Britain, and asserting new political rights.

A New Age of Imperial Struggle

Even as the overseas empires have ended, a new age of imperial struggle is emerging. This new age will be politically more complex. The principle of national self-determination, articulated by President Woodrow Wilson at the Versailles peace conference, could be easily employed in the fight against overseas empires.

The 1960 African Independence Movement

In 1960, seventeen African territories gained independence from the strong arm of European colonial rule. These nations joined the United Nations' General Assembly and gave a greater voice to the non-Western world.