the process by which colonies ruled by an empire achieve independence

someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations

the basic principles or laws which govern a nation state

a change introduced to improve something, often a system or law

Comparing decolonisation across the former British Empire

History

In this unit, pupils examine the varied experiences of decolonisation throughout the British Empire. This sets up the next unit, ‘Post-war Britain: for whom did the United Kingdom become a ‘New Jerusalem’?’, where they will explore how decolonisation influenced immigration patterns and contributed to the changing social landscape of post-war Britain.

In ‘Interpreting the British Empire: how has it been commemorated and contested?’, pupils studied the diverse interpretations and controversies surrounding the British Empire. This unit extends this understanding by analysing the decolonisation process and its impact on different regions within the empire.

Decolonisation: how similar was decolonisation throughout the British Empire?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of sexual or domestic abuse or violence, including  threats of or the aftermath of.

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

The Republic of Ireland became independent

Starting with the earliest, place these events in chronological order.

It was sometimes peaceful and sometimes violent

Which statement best describes decolonisation in the British Empire?

In which British colonies was decolonisation a peaceful process?

In which British colonies was decolonisation a violent process?

Britain bears no responsibility for violence during decolonisation.

Britain bears total responsibility for violence during decolonisation.

Britain bears a great deal responsibility for violence during decolonisation.

Which statement best describes Britain's responsibility for violence during decolonisation?

Violent suppression of independence movements

Which of these factors often led to peaceful decolonisation?

{{ }} was the main crop grown on plantations in Britain's Caribbean colonies during the 17th century.

The {{ }} caused widespread unemployment and poverty in Britain's Caribbean colonies.

investigate routes forward for Caribbean independence

suppress independence movements in the Caribbean

investigate the social and economic challenges in the Caribbean colonies

encourage workers from the Caribbean to migrate to Britain

In 1938, the British government sent a team led by Lord Moyne to the Caribbean to...

Universal {{ }} was introduced in Jamaica in 1944.

After Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago decided to leave, the West Indian Federation was dissolved in... 

Alexander {{ }}  became the first Prime Minister of independent Jamaica in 1962.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Comparing decolonisation across the former British Empire

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.