World history concepts · AP World History: Modern
Decolonization
Decolonization: The process by which colonies in Asia, Africa and elsewhere gained independence from imperial powers, mainly after World War II.
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What it means
Weakened European powers, rising nationalist movements and international pressure led to independence for dozens of nations between the 1940s and 1970s. Some transitions were negotiated, while others involved long wars.
New states faced challenges including borders drawn by colonizers, economic dependence and Cold War pressures.
Example
India gained independence from Britain in 1947, followed by the partition that created Pakistan.
On the exam
Decolonization is a major Unit 8 topic and a frequent subject of comparison essays across regions.
Lessons and practice questions
Related terms
- ImperialismThe policy of extending a nation's power through territorial conquest or political and economic control over other regions.
- NationalismA sense of shared identity and loyalty to a nation, often based on common language, culture or history, and the belief that the nation should govern itself.
- Cold WarThe rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union and their allies from about 1945 to 1991, fought through ideology, arms races and proxy wars, with no direct war between the two superpowers.