Module 6 - Ch 22

Chapter 22 focuses on the decolonization and gaining of independence that colonial empires received in the twentieth century.

3) What international circumstances and social changes contributed to the end of colonial empires?

There were many international circumstances that contributed to the end of the colonial empires. First of all, the world wars very much weekend Europe, this lead to the sense of European moral superiority completely disappear. In the past, they had this moral superiority, but now they had nothing backing that up. Additionally, the United States and the Soviet Union were very much opposed to the colonial empires and since they were very strong this opposition resignated strongly.  The United Nations also adapted an anti colonial platform. One of the strongest factors was the fact that in these colonies western-educated elites has risen up through the colonial world. There was no longer a connection between the European empires being the only way for their progress, and were strongly leaning towards independence.

4) What obstacles confronted the leaders of movements for independence?

The leaders of the movements of for independence faced many obstacles during the fight for independence. These leaders had to organize political parties, plot their strategies, recruit members to assist them, and negotiate with both each other and the colonial power to ensure the transition to independence. Additionally, some regions such as South Africa some leaders also coordinated military operations. Although there was a common goal of independence amongst the anti-colonists, these groups still struggled with one another over questions of leadership, power, strategy ect... The movements for independence did not mean that these anti-colonists worked perfectly with one another. They still faced the same conflicts internally that independent counties do.

15) What obstacles impeded the economic development of third-world countries?

The obstacles that impeded the economic development of third world countries were prominent and left a lasting impact on the futures of these countries. This attempt at economic development that took place in these countries divided classes, religious groups, and ethnic groups, while all in the presence of rapid population growth. The colonial rule that held them back for so long only provided small foundations of modern development to these very newly independent nations, so many of them were not ready for the challenges that come with running a nation. Ultimately these third-world countries had very literal leverage in the midst of the rest of the global nations, so this hindered them significantly. It was very difficult for these leaders of the nations to know what to do and what strategies to pursue.