Impact of the Second World War

What was the impact of the Second World War on the British Empire?

The Second World War saw Britain 'losing an empire and seeking a role' in the world. It had a corrosive effect on the empire.

How did the impact of the Second World War cause the decline of the British Empire?

The impact of the Second World War led to the decline of the British Empire in Singapore, India, and territories in both West and East Africa. There were a number of reasons for this.

• ❖ the Second World War was a war Britain did not want to fight. They were not prepared militarily or economically due to the Great Depression, so they were heavily reliant on support from the colonies.
• ❖ Britain became dependent on America for the means to fight the war. The USA was keen to see the empire dismantled, with British colonies gaining independence, and freedom of trade.
• ❖ Britain's economy suffered as a result of the war. It could no longer afford to keep the empire going, when it had to focus on rebuilding the economy at home.
• ❖ The loss of Singapore to Japan in 1942 was a humiliating defeat for Britain. Subject peoples began to wonder if Britain could defend them from attack or invasion.
• ❖ The loss of Singapore had also shattered the idea of Britain's 'racial superiority', as a white British army had been defeated by an Asian army. This suggested that Britain's 'right to rule' was a myth.
• ❖ With the fall of the empire in Singapore, Britain could no longer argue it was India's protector. India was nearly invaded by Japan in 1942 and it was America pushing back against Japanese advances in Asia, not Britain.
• ❖ Roosevelt and Churchill signed the Atlantic Charter, which committed to the war being fought for all nations to have the right of self-determination. Roosevelt made it clear that this applied to the British Empire.
• ❖ America used Britain's dependency on the USA to gain military bases in Britain and across its empire.
• ❖ Britain needed the troops of the empire. In exchange for full Indian co-operation they promised India dominion status. India's biggest nationalist party refused any support until Britain left India.

What was the impact of the Second World War on the British Empire in Africa?

African colonies contributed to Britain's war effort. Events in Asia led to the growth of African nationalism and a desire for independence. However, Britain saw Africa as the platform to finding their place in the world after the war.

What was significant about the impact of the Second World War on the British Empire?

The impact of the Second World War led to the rapid decline of the empire. Britain no longer had the economic strength and prestige to maintain its empire while, at the same time, the people of its colonies were demanding freedom.