Origins and rise of independence movements, up to the point of independence

Origins of Independence Movements

The industrial revolution and enlightenment in Europe led to the spread of ideas around democracy, freedom, and the rights of individuals.
European imperialism and colonisation meant countries in Africa, Americas, Asia and Oceania were controlled by foreign powers.
Cultural and religious differences between the colonisers and colonised often led to tension.
Economic exploitation of colonised regions led to wealth being shifted to the colonisers, causing further resentment.
Education and exposure to liberal ideas led to the emergence of political consciousness among the colonised.
The end of World War II saw a weakened Europe struggling to maintain its colonies leading to a global shift in power.

Rise of Independence Movements

Inspired by the ideas of freedom and justice, local leaders and intellectuals began to mobilise people against colonial rule.
The formation of political parties and the use of constitutional means to challenge the colonial powers became widespread.
The use of guerilla warfare, strikes, and peaceful demonstrations were other strategies employed by these movements.
Independence movements such as the American War of Independence, the Indian National Movement, and the African decolonisation movements significantly shaped the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Cold War period saw the major superpowers, USA and USSR, supporting different independence movements to increase their own influence.

Achieving Independence

Diplomatic negotiations, notably the Atlantic Charter and Bandung Conference, recognised the right to self-determination and paved the way for decolonisation.
Independence was sometimes won through wars, as in the case of the American Revolution and the Algerian War of Independence.
In many cases, it was achieved through peaceful means like negotiations and constitutional changes, as seen in India and many African nations.
The decolonisation process was complex and often led to issues like political fragmentation, economic instability, and inter-ethnic conflicts.
The end of the 20th century marked the establishment of many independent states, evolving new international relations paradigms.