Year 9 - History
Decolonisation and the partition of India
Decolonisation: how similar was decolonisation throughout the British Empire?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the similarities and differences between decolonisation in various parts of the British Empire. They examine this process in Ireland, India, Palestine, Africa and the Caribbean, providing them with ample knowledge to compare the experiences of each.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how the granting of India's independence led to the partition of the country into India and Pakistan, which was a violent process.
Key Notes
- A strong nationalist movement existed in India in the early 20th century; WW2 led to increased calls for independence.
- Tensions between Hindus and Muslims increased after WW2 and India's Muslims demanded their own state: Pakistan.
- In 1947, India was partitioned into two states: India and Pakistan; East Pakistan would become Bangladesh in 1971.
- Partition resulted in mass migration, which displaced 17-18 million people and unleashed a wave of lethal violence.
- Partition created a legacy of mistrust and hostility between India and Pakistan.
Vocabulary To Learn
- nationalist: someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations
- strike: when people stop working as a form of protest
- famine: a severe shortage of food that affects a large number of people, leading to widespread hunger and starvation
- viceroy: someone appointed by a monarch or ruler to govern a territory or colony in their name
- partition: to divide into parts
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The borders drawn during Partition were clear and accepted by all.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
A strong nationalist movement existed in India in the early 20th century; WW2 led to increased calls for independence. Tensions between Hindus and Muslims increased after WW2 and India's Muslims demanded their own state: Pakistan.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'nationalist'
someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: The borders drawn during Partition were clear and accepted by all. Correction: The Radcliffe Line, which demarcated the borders, was highly contentious and led to significant disputes and confusion, which resulted in violence.
More Lessons In This Unit
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