Independence movements
In 1945, the United Kingdom and France still ruled huge colonial empires in Asia and Africa. Thirty years later, almost all of these colonies had become states. How did these peoples win their independence, and with what difficulties?
This lesson takes about 15 minutes. You can take a break after each part.
Before you start
Learning objectives
- I can explain why many colonies became independent after 1945.
- I can name some leaders of independence movements, such as Gandhi, Nehru, or Senghor.
- I can show that independence came in different ways, through negotiation or through war.
- I can tell the main stages of the Algerian War, from 1954 to 1962.
From empires to new states
Why the empires broke up
The European colonial powers came out of the Second World War weakened. Many colonized people had fought for them and, in turn, demanded their freedom. Nationalist movements organized.
The United Nations Charter (1945) stated the right of peoples to self-determination. The two superpowers, the United States and the USSR, were also hostile to colonial empires.
India, a negotiated independence
Gandhi led a nonviolent struggle against British rule: boycotts, marches, civil disobedience. In 1947, British India became independent, but it was partitioned into two states: India and Pakistan, made up of two separate territories. Partition led to terrible violence and the flight of millions of people. Nehru became the first head of government of India.
1955-1960: the new states make themselves heard
In 1955, twenty-nine countries of Asia and Africa met at Bandung, Indonesia, hosted by President Sukarno. They condemned colonialism. They were called the Third World. Many refused to choose between the two blocs: they were the non-aligned countries.
In 1960, seventeen African countries became independent, including Senegal, led by President Léopold Sédar Senghor. On December 14, 1960, the UN proclaimed the right of colonized peoples to independence (Resolution 1514).
Loading the questions…
The Algerian War (1954-1962)
The start of a war
France began conquering Algeria in 1830. About one million Europeans lived there, alongside about eight and a half million Muslim Algerians, who did not have the same rights.
On November 1, 1954, the FLN (National Liberation Front) carried out attacks in several regions: this was the start of the armed struggle for independence. France sent in the army, including young conscripts. The authorities then spoke of “events”; the law only recognized the word “war” in 1999.
De Gaulle and the end of the war
The war brought down the Fourth Republic. On June 1, 1958, General de Gaulle returned to power; he then founded the Fifth Republic (constitution of October 1958). He gradually chose to let Algerians decide their future. Supporters of French Algeria opposed this with a coup attempt in April 1961, and with the attacks of the OAS.
On March 18, 1962, the Évian Accords set a ceasefire. They were approved in mainland France by referendum on April 8, 1962; on July 1, Algerians voted for independence by referendum. It was proclaimed on July 5, 1962. Ahmed Ben Bella became the first president of Algeria in 1963.
A violent war, different memories
The war was marked by violence on both sides: attacks, fighting, and torture used by part of the French army. At independence, almost all the Europeans of Algeria, the “pieds-noirs,” left for mainland France; many harkis, Algerians who had fought alongside the French army, were victims of reprisals; only some could reach France, often in camps.
Loading the questions…
Review game
Final assessment
To master the lesson, you need at least 60% correct answers.
Loading the assessment…
Summary
- After 1945, the European colonial powers came out of the war weakened, and colonized peoples demanded their freedom: in about twenty years, most colonies in Asia and Africa became independent states.
- Independence came in different ways, through negotiation or through war. Asian and African states, many newly independent, met at Bandung (1955), and many refused to choose between the two blocs of the Cold War.
- The Algerian War began on November 1, 1954, and lasted almost eight years; it brought down the Fourth Republic and returned General de Gaulle to power in 1958.
- The Évian Accords (March 18, 1962), approved by referendum, led to the independence of Algeria on July 5, 1962. This war has left different, and sometimes opposing, memories.
A few related activities
GameHistory, French curriculum 3e — A war of annihilationHistory review game on the lesson “A war of annihilation” from the French curriculum for 3e (ages 14–15).…See the activity