Revolution & Nationalism

Main Idea: Nationalism triggered independence movements to overthrow colonial power.

IV. Nationalism in India & Southwest Asia

A. Indian Nationalism Grows

1. After WWI, Indian nationalists defy British rule; promises broken

2. 1919—Amritsar Massacre: British troops fire on unarmed Hindu-Muslim crowds at a peaceful meeting to protest the Rowlatt Act

B. Gandhi’s Principles of Nonviolence

1. Nonviolent tactics to battle injustice

2. Successful campaign of civil disobedience weakens the British government’s authority & economic power

3. Gains worldwide support for independence movement following Salt March (1930) & saltworks demonstration

C. Great Britain Grants India Self-Rule

1. 1935—India gains right to establish local self-government and to hold limited democratic elections

2. Tensions mount between Muslims & Hindus as independence draws closer

D. Southwest Asia

1. Ottoman Empire becomes Turkey: Mustafa Kemal leads Turkish nationalists in overthrowing the last Ottoman sultan and helps establish a new republic

2. Persia: Reza Shah seizes power & renames country Iran (1935)

3. Saudi Arabia: Ibn Saud unifies Arabia; 1932 renames kingdom

4. Oil Resources: high demand transforms economy of the area