The decolonization process

Vocabulary

 Appearance; resources; rise; self-determination

To proclaim

Ruling

Such as

DEFINITION

The decolonization was a process by which colonies became independent from the colonizing countries. It happened after World War II and led to the appearance of nearly a hundred new states.

CAUSES

The main causes of decolonization were:

-          People from the colonies wanted independence from the European ruling powers that exploited their economic resources.

-          The rise of nationalist movements, inspired by different ideologies such as communism or Islam.

-          The expansion of international opinion against colonialism was manifested through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which proclaimed peoples’ right to self-determination

-          The two superpowers supported decolonization because they had no colonial empires and were interested in attracting new states into their blocs.

STAGES

1º - 1945-1954: Asia and the Near East

2º - 1951-1962: North of Africa

3º - 1955-1965: Sub-Saharan Africa

4º - 1975 on: Southern colonies of Africa

1.       Look at the map on your Spanish book and name three colonies that became independent in each stage.