Decolonization The era of decolonization during the mid 1940’s to 1970’s brought about a lasting effect on global politics, causing deep economic issues for some countries and providing freedom for others. By carefully analyzing different literary sources such as King Leopold’s Ghost, by Atom Hochschild, and the interviews form Anit-Imperialist Nationalism, we are able to find evidence of Western empire’s rule over the world before decolonization and after. Exploring ideas and notions of nationalism and the foundation in which it stands on can clarify the misconceptions of the effects of decolonization and bring a deeper understanding to why it was established. Nationalism is one of, if not, the most important factor to influence what
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In order to rule over the land, Leopold had to deceive the world in believing that he had to look after the African people to stop the self violence that occurred between the tribes. In reality however, Leopold was using the people as forced labor to produce the raw materials he needed like rubber to sell in the global market. He believed that colonies were inferior to the mother nation. According to King Leopold’s Ghost, “Leopold did not care whether the colonial wealth he wanted came from the precious metals sought by the Spaniards in South America, from agriculture, or – as would turn out to be the case – from a raw material whose potential was as yet undreamed of.” (Hochschild pg 38). Under Leopold’s dictatorship, the people of the Congo free states were treated worse then slaves, without any pay, they were forced to work in the harsh conditions of the Congo’s forest and were punished heavily if they showed any sign of resistance. Leopold not only deeply scar Congo’s economy but almost destroyed the millions of its native people’s
In order to rule over the land, Leopold had to deceive the world in believing that he had to look after the African people to stop the self violence that occurred between the tribes. In reality however, Leopold was using the people as forced labor to produce the raw materials he needed like rubber to sell in the global market. He believed that colonies were inferior to the mother nation. According to King Leopold’s Ghost, “Leopold did not care whether the colonial wealth he wanted came from the precious metals sought by the Spaniards in South America, from agriculture, or – as would turn out to be the case – from a raw material whose potential was as yet undreamed of.” (Hochschild pg 38). Under Leopold’s dictatorship, the people of the Congo free states were treated worse then slaves, without any pay, they were forced to work in the harsh conditions of the Congo’s forest and were punished heavily if they showed any sign of resistance. Leopold not only deeply scar Congo’s economy but almost destroyed the millions of its native people’s