Decolonisation and contesting empire
I can recall that in the mid 20th century, decolonisation and nationalist movements took place across the British Empire.
Decolonisation and contesting empire
I can recall that in the mid 20th century, decolonisation and nationalist movements took place across the British Empire.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Britain had emerged from the Second World War as a diminished power, reliant on America.
- After the Second World War, a wave of nationalist movements took place in the colonies.
- India gained its independence from Britain in 1947 which led to the partition of India and Pakistan.
- In 1948, Palestine was partitioned into two separate independent states: Israel and Palestine.
- In the 1960s, independence was granted to many of Britain's African and Caribbean colonies.
Keywords
Nationalism - nationalism is the support for the political independence of a country
Decolonise - to decolonise is to withdraw from a colony, leaving it independent
Partition - to partition is to divide into parts
Commonwealth - the Commonwealth is an international organisation consisting of states which once belonged to the British Empire
Common misconception
The effects of decolonisation were positive for countries newly independent from the British Empire.
For many newly independent nations, freedom brought many difficulties as well as benefits.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Decolonisation and contesting empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Decolonisation and contesting empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Interpreting the British Empire: how has it been commemorated and contested? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
1960
1962
1962
1962
1963
1966