Case studies of nationalist movements Notes

What Can Specific Movements Teach Us?

1. Real case studies show how and why independence movements succeed or struggle.
2. They reveal patterns: oppression → organisation → resistance → negotiation or conflict → independence.

India: Why Did India Fight for Independence?

1. Factors that led to independence

1. India had a strong national identity shaped by shared cultural heritage, history, and growing political unity.
2. British colonialism created social and economic inequality: Indians had few political rights.
3. The Indian National Congress (INC) unified educated Indians demanding rights and eventually full independence.
4. Key factors:
   1. British exploitation of India’s economy (e.g., destroying local industries, controlling trade).
   2. Restrictions on political participation for Indians.
   3. Nationalist leaders (Gandhi, Nehru) who united different groups under shared goals.
   4. Mass movements using nonviolent protest to pressure Britain.

2. How did the British respond?

1. Britain used both repression and concessions.
2. They imprisoned leaders, banned newspapers, and used violence against protesters.
3. But they also passed reforms giving Indians limited self-rule (e.g., Government of India Act 1935).
   1. Provincial autonomy introduced; elected Indian ministers given control of provinces.
   2. Diarchy abolished in provinces but retained at the centre under the Governor-General.
   3. Proposed an All-India Federation of provinces and princely states (never implemented).
   4. Separate electorates expanded, reinforcing communal divisions.
   5. Franchise enlarged to about 10% of the population (still not universal suffrage).
   6. Governors and Governor-General kept extensive emergency powers to override elected bodies.
   7. Created new provinces (e.g., Sindh, Orissa, Bihar reorganised).
   8. Became the constitutional basis for India and Pakistan until independence-era constitutions.

3. Impact of WWII on India

1. WWII changed everything because Britain needed Indian support but didn’t consult Indian leaders before joining the war.
2. The INC refused to support a war for “freedom” when Indians had none.
3. Effects:
   1. INC launched the Quit India Movement (1942) demanding immediate independence.
   2. British forces arrested tens of thousands, but couldn’t fully control India anymore.
   3. Wartime strain weakened Britain economically and politically.

4. Outcome after WWII

1. Britain emerged from the war nearly bankrupt and unable to maintain a huge empire.
2. Pressure from Indian nationalists + global criticism of colonialism made withdrawal likely.
3. In 1947, India gained independence but was partitioned into India and Pakistan, leading to mass migration and violence.

Kenya: Why Did Kenya Fight for Independence?

1. Factors that led to independence

1. British rule took land from Kenyans, favouring white settlers and pushing Africans into poor conditions.
2. Forced labour, hut taxes, and restrictions on African farming created economic hardship.
3. Kenyan identity grew as groups united against colonial injustice.
4. Key factors:
   1. Loss of land to European settlers (especially in the “White Highlands”).
   2. Harsh labour policies on farms and plantations.
   3. Formation of political organisations like the Kenya African Union (KAU).
   4. Rising frustration among Kikuyu people who had lost ancestral lands.

2. How did the British respond?

1. Britain cracked down hard, declaring a State of Emergency in 1952.
2. Thousands of Kenyans were detained in camps; strict censorship and military force were used.
3. But repression didn’t stop nationalism, it convinced more people that independence was the only solution.

3. Impact of WWII on Kenya

1. Many Kenyans fought for Britain during WWII, expecting greater rights after the war.
2. When Britain failed to deliver reforms, disillusionment grew.
3. Returning soldiers with military experience strengthened resistance movements.
4. Effects:
   1. War increased political awareness across Kenya.
   2. Britain’s post-war economic struggles made maintaining the colony expensive.
   3. Growing global criticism of racial inequality pressured Britain to reform.

4. Outcome after WWII

1. After years of violence, negotiations (Lancaster House Conferences) moved Kenya toward independence.
2. In 1963, Kenya became independent with Jomo Kenyatta as Prime Minister.
3. What Kenya teaches us:
   1. Violent resistance + global pressure + declining colonial power after WWII can force political change even against strong repression.

What can we learn?

1. Factors driving independence

1. India: political exclusion, economic exploitation, unified national leadership.
2. Kenya: land loss, racial inequality, harsh labour policies, escalating repression.

2. Role of WWII

1. India: Britain’s hypocrisy + urgent demands for independence.
2. Kenya: rising political awareness + returning soldiers + Britain’s weakened economy.

3. Outcomes

1. India: partition, creation of two states, long-term conflict but democratic government.
2. Kenya: independence under Kenyatta, challenges with ethnic tensions and land issues.