Post-Colonial Development Issues & India's Independence

Characteristics of Development Challenges

Agricultural development often remained insufficient, combining traditional agriculture with colonial plantation systems. Plantations depleted soils with cash crops such as coffee, tea, and bananas, which reported little benefit for the country and created dependency on international markets.

Key Issues Faced:

• Insufficient Industry: Industry was often non-existent or primarily served richer countries. Final processing of products frequently occurred outside the underdeveloped nations.
• Unfair Trade: Raw materials and agricultural products were sold at low prices, while imported industrial products had skyrocketing prices.
• Population Problems: Strong population growth, high birth rates, and a high percentage of child population led to issues like child labor and supply problems. This contributed to direct mortality and favored the development of diseases.
• Social Inequality: Great inequalities caused significant social and cultural differences. A minority owned most resources and controlled power, while a mass of people remained dispossessed.
• Political Instability: Political systems often involved imposed false democracies or military dictatorships, lacking liberal human rights protections.

Decolonization in Asia: India's Independence

India was the main British colony, administered directly by the Crown through a Viceroy. The British had introduced Western customs and the English language. Colonial administration, through the construction of railways and roads, had created a degree of cohesiveness in the region.

The anti-colonial struggle was led by the Indian National Congress Party and the Muslim League. A leading figure spearheaded the civil movement involving boycotts of British goods. These actions wrested broad autonomy from the metropolis, allowing for the existence of a local government.

After World War II, the new Labour government in Britain accelerated the independence process. However, the showdown between Hindu and Muslim populations hardened. Amidst a war between the two communities, the Partition Plan of 1947 was imposed. This created two independent states:

• India: A state with a Hindu majority and a Muslim minority, where the Congress Party formed the first government.
• Pakistan: An Islamic republic.

Later, in 1971, East Pakistan separated to become Bangladesh.