Rise of Freedom Movements in Asian and African Countries after the Second World War

Rise of Freedom Movements in Asian and African Countries after the Second World War:

Many factors were responsible for the weakening of imperialism after the Second World War. Some of the main factors can be stated as under-

• Ousting of Imperialist Powers- During the Second World War, France was ousted from Indo-China and Holland from Indonesia. Their desire to re-establish their rule in the colonies did not succeed. Thus they had to withdraw.
• Shattering of Economy- The economy of the imperialist powers had completely shattered. They could not suppress the struggling people. Moreover, the Allies could not quell freedom and democracy since they had already declared that they were fighting for their liberation from fascist powers.
• Emergence of Socialist Countries- The countries that became independent after the Second World War also became socialists like the Soviet Union. The socialist countries being the rivals of imperialism lent full support to the colonies in their freedom movements.
• Efforts of the U.N.O.- The newly rising and socialist countries openly condemned the imperialist countries through the U.N.O. They sided with the colonies for their independence. For example, India became a major factor in the history of freedom movements in Asia and Africa on winning her freedom in 1947. India advocated the cause of the independence of Indonesia.
• Struggle of the Colonial People- The people of the colonies made untiring efforts for their freedom and ultimately they got success.
• Change in the International atmosphere- After the Second World War, the international atmosphere has changed. The imperialist countries had suffered a lot during the Second World War. Their economies had become too weak to be repaired. As a result, they wanted to pay full attention to their own economies while the struggle with the colonial people was a big drain on their economies.
• Support of the Rising Countries- The countries which had won their freedom earlier took up the cause of the countries which were still fighting for their independence. For example- after getting freedom in 1947 A.D. (on 15th August), India played a vital role in the freedom movements of all the Asian and African countries.