The rise and fall of empires
During the mid-19th century, France and Britain shifted the focus of their colonial aspirations from North America to Asia. Gradually, Asian emperors and local elites found themselves in a battle to retain their authority as these European nations were determined to expand their power across the world. Over roughly 100 years, France and Britain forged vast Asian empires by conquering territories and subjugating local people; however, this control ended during the 20th century as local citizens were able to expel their foreign rulers and establish independent nations.
As European powers attempted to colonize new territories in Asia, they were immediately met with resistance from local people and rulers. Although European colonizers were successful in their conquests, it did not mean the end of resistance to their rule. New opposition leaders emerged who were armed with various strategies and motivated by different ideologies to fight the European colonizers and achieve independence. Opposition leaders, however, also faced challenges brought by the changing geopolitical landscape, such as the struggle for global dominance between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War. This new challenge was met in different ways by people determined to maintain their freedom and resist foreign intervention.
In this task, you will examine the motivations for the French and British colonization of two specific Asian countries during the 19th century, as well as the methods France and Britain used to establish colonies. You will examine the factors (such as economic and political developments affecting the empires) that led to the end of French and British colonization in Asia. You will also examine the origins of the independence movements in India and Vietnam, the strategies used by the leaders of these movements, and the ideologies that influenced them. You will also examine the effects of the Cold War on these two nations.REQUIREMENTS
A. Describe the British colonization of India by doing the following:
1. Describe one reason Britain colonized India.
2. Describe one method Britain used to colonize India.
B. Describe the factors that influenced the independence movement in India and British decolonization of India by doing the following:
1. Describe how people in India organized for independence.
2. Explain the influence of one ideology on the Indian independence movement.
3. Describe two reasons (e.g., economic change, global conflict, Indian leadership, popular participation) why British colonial rule ended in India.
C. Describe the French colonization of Vietnam by doing the following:
1. Describe one reason France colonized Vietnam.
2. Describe one method France used to colonize Vietnam.
D. Describe the factors that influenced the independence movement in Vietnam and French decolonization of Vietnam by doing the following:
1. Describe how people in Vietnam organized for independence.
2. Explain the influence of one ideology on the Vietnamese independence movement.
3. Describe two reasons (e.g., economic change, global conflict, Vietnamese leadership, popular participation) why French colonial rule ended in Vietnam.
E. Describe the impact of the Cold War on newly independent states by doing the following:
1. Describe the effects of the Cold War on India.
2. Describe the effects of the Cold War on Vietnam.
Sample Solution
Reasons for British Colonization of India There were a number of reasons why Britain colonized India. Some of the most important reasons include:- Economic reasons: Britain was interested in India's resources, including its cotton, silk, and spices.
- Strategic reasons: Britain wanted to control India's ports and trade routes.
- Political reasons: Britain wanted to spread its influence and power in Asia.
Full Answer Section
Methods of British Colonization of India Britain used a number of methods to colonize India. Some of the most important methods include:- Military conquest: Britain used its military to conquer India, defeating the Mughal Empire in 1857.
- Economic exploitation: Britain used its economic power to exploit India's resources and economy.
- Cultural assimilation: Britain tried to assimilate India into its own culture, introducing English language and education.
- The rise of Indian nationalism: Indian nationalists, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, led a long and sustained campaign for independence.
- The Second World War: The Second World War weakened Britain's hold on India.
- The Cold War: The Cold War created a new geopolitical landscape in which Britain was no longer the dominant power.