The sudden demise of arguably the world's greatest empire in the years following the Second World War was a momentous event in global history. After nearly four centuries of colonial activity, the British relinquished their empire in a little more than twenty years.
In this comprehensive new survey, David McIntyre narrates the sequence of decolonisation, summarises the historical controversies surrounding its causes, and considers what was distinctive about the way events unfolded. The author argues that although colonial self-government had a long pedigree going back to the American colonies (and Dominion status had become a peaceful evolutionary route to independence), the upsurge of colonial nationalisms after 1945 meant that policy-makers were overtaken by events. The great speed at which the numerous dependencies in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific were relinquished is analysed and the Commonwealth since decolonisation reconsidered, revealing an association displaying surprising vigour in its post-Britannic years.
Autorentext
David McIntyre, OBE, is Professor of History at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Inhalt
Maps
Table of Independence Dates
Preface
Introduction
PART ONE: WHEN DID THE BRITISH EMPIRE FALL?
The Dominions Model
The Attlee Government's Decisions, 1947-48
The Ambiguous Fifties
Macmillan and the 'Wind of Change', 1959-63
Wilson and the Withdrawal from East-of-Suez
Closing the Files on the Pacific, Caribbean and Southern Africa
PART TWO: WHY DID THE BRITISH EMPIRE FALL?
The Metropolitan Dimension
The Global Dimension
The Colonial Dimension
PART THREE: HOW DID THE BRITISH EMPIRE FALL?
Transfers of Power
Republics in the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth: Disillusionment, Detachment and Re-discovery
Conclusion
Notes.