Decolonisation

What is decolonisation?

Decolonisation was the process by which Britain gave independence to the countries in its empire.

When was decolonisation?

Decolonisation began in the 20th century. The main period of decolonisation occurred in the decades following the Second World War.

Why did the period of decolonisation happen?

Decolonisation took place for a number of reasons.

• ❖ During the early 20th century, a number of countries in the empire began to lobby for independence.
• ❖ After the First and Second World Wars, Britain found its economy was not strong enough to maintain the empire.
• ❖ Other countries were criticising imperialism in general, and particularly the way Britain had treated its subject peoples.
• ❖ The USA was one of the strongest critics, and Britain had become increasingly dependent on the USA.