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History of International Relations - Coggle Diagram
History of International Relations
African Independence and Decolonisation: Overview
Scramble for Africa (1880-1913)
European Expansion: European powers aggressively expanded their colonial territorities during the late 19th century
Berlin Conference (1884-85): Formalised the division of Africa among European nations. Arbitrary borders were drawn, often disregarding African interests and cultures
Nearly full control: By 1913, almost the entire continent was under European control, except for Ethiopia, Liberia, and parts of Morocco and Libya
Post-WWII Independence Movements
Exhaustion of Colonial Powers: After WWII, European nations were weakened, making it harder to maintain distant colonies
African Participation: African soldiers and resources played a crucial role in the war effort, leading to increased demands for self-determination
5th Pan-African Conference (1945): Held in Manchester, this conference emphasised African unity and independence
Ghana's Milestone: Achieved independence in 1957, led by Kwame Nkrumah
Challenges and Complexities
Guinea's Bold Move: Rejected Francafrique (continued association with France) and gained independence in 1958
Francafrique and Ivory Coast: Neocolonial influence persisted in Ivory Coast, exemplifying the economic and political ties between France and its former colonies
Belgian Congo and Lumumba: The Belgian Congo gained independence in 1960. Lumumba's choices during the Cold War influenced the process
Winds of Change: British PM Harold Macmillan's speech acknowledged the unstoppable momentum toward Africa's independence, even when delivered in apartheid-era South Africa
Apartheid Struggle: The ANC, led by Nelson Mandela. fought against apartheid through mass action and eventally armed struggle
Processes before and during WWII
Processes before and during WWII: Overview
The Great Depression and the Rise of Nazism
Germany suffered severely due to unemployment and economic collapse
The Depression eroded faith in democracy, pushing people towards extreme parties
The Nazis capitalised on the crisis, gaining strength and eventually leading to Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in 1933
The 1929 Wall Street Crash triggered a global economic depression
Nazi Beliefs and Pan-Germanism
The Nazis believed in Aryan superiority, traditional gender roles, and anti-communism
Pan-Germanism aimed for a united German people, country, and leader, advocating expansion
German Expansion and International Relations
Germany exited the League of Nations, began rearmament, and signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland followed, and an alliance with Japan shaped international relations
Stalin's Consolidation of Power
In the Soviet Union, Stalin solidified his rule through the Troika leadership
The first Five-Year Plan focused on industrialisation
Collectivisation and the war against Kulaks caused famine and destruction
The Great Purge targeted both leftists and rightists, weakening the Red Army
1. The Great Depression (1929-1939)
Economic Catastrophe
:
The Wall Street Crash of 1929 triggered the Great Depression, causing global economic turmoil.
Unemployment soared, businesses collapsed, and poverty spread worldwide.
Social and Cultural Effects
:
Families and communities faced hardships, and mental health suffered.
Art, literature, and music reflected the despair of the era.
2. Rise of Nazism in Europe
Hitler's Path to Power
:
The Great Depression played a crucial role in Adolf Hitler's rise.
Germany's economic struggles and dependence on U.S. loans fueled extremism.
The Nazi Party gained popularity, leading to Hitler's appointment as Chancellor.
Political Landscape
:
The Nazis exploited divisions among opposition parties.
The Munich Agreement allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland without opposition.
Pan-Germanism and Aryan superiority were central to Nazi ideology.
3. Steps to World War II
March into the Rhineland (1936)
:
Hitler challenged the Treaty of Versailles by remilitarizing the Rhineland.
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
:
A proxy conflict between democratic and fascist forces.
France and Britain remained neutral, fearing direct confrontation.
Anschluss (1938)
:
Hitler annexed Austria into Nazi Germany.
Munich Agreement (1938)
:
Britain and France appeased Hitler, allowing the Sudetenland's annexation.
Sudetenland Crisis and Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia
:
Hitler disregarded agreements, weakening Czechoslovakia.
Hitler-Stalin Pact (1939)
:
A non-aggression pact secretly divided Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union.
Start of World War II (1939)
:
Germany invaded Poland, leading to Britain and France declaring war.
Stalin's Motivation
:
Stalin sought time to build defenses and avoid a two-front war.
1. The Scramble for Africa (1880-1914)
European Powers and Territorial Claims
:
European nations, driven by the Second Industrial Revolution and economic interests, raced to claim African territories.
By 1914, almost 90% of Africa was under European control.
The
Berlin Conference (1884-85)
formalized colonization and trade rules, disregarding existing political and social structures.
2. Nigeria: Unity and Strife
Amalgamation and Ethnic Tensions
:
Nigeria emerged from the amalgamation of three regions (Northern, Western, and Eastern Nigeria) in 1914.
Diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds led to tensions after independence.
The
Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970)
resulted from Biafra's secession, highlighting regional divisions.
3. French Decolonization
Guinea's Immediate Independence
:
Guinea, led by President Sékou Touré, chose immediate independence in 1958.
Other French colonies joined a Commonwealth arrangement proposed by French President Charles de Gaulle.
Françafrique
maintained economic ties between France and its former colonies.
4. Belgian Congo (DRC)
Swift Independence and Lumumba's Role
:
The Belgian Congo gained independence in 1960.
Patrice Lumumba, a charismatic leader, aligned with the Soviet Union, causing Cold War tensions.
The secessionist movement in Katanga complicated the process.
U.S. intervention supported Joseph Mobutu, who ruled for decades.
5. Winds of Change
Harold Macmillan's Speech (1960)
:
British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan acknowledged the "winds of change" sweeping Africa.
This moment symbolized the shift toward independence and self-determination.
6. South Africa and Apartheid
Apartheid Laws and ANC Resistance
:
Apartheid laws enforced racial segregation in South Africa.
The African National Congress (ANC), led by activists like Nelson Mandela, organized mass actions against apartheid.
Repression and demonstrations eventually led to the idea of armed struggle against the regime.