Timeline

Example of a Good Time-line/Chronology (Courtesy K. Burns, HIS 135) 1. Declaration of National Independence for Colonies - In 1942, the US State Department issued this declaration calling for all colonies to obtain independence. This is significant, because it shows the United State's foreign policy on colonies. The US was one of the only countries at this time calling for the independence of the world's colonies. 2. Independence for the Philippines - In 1946, the US peacefully transferred power to an independent Philippines. This showed the world, that the US was enacting its stated foreign policy. However, the US does maintain a significant military base presence on the islands. 3. Pakistan separates from India - In 1947, Pakistan is created as a separate nation from India. The Muslim population in the northwest portion of India was at odds with the Hindu majority. This was not a peaceful transition, as approximately 1 million people were killed and 7.5 million people relocated to their country of choice. 4. Israel recognized as a country by the UN - In 1948, Israel was recognized as a country by the UN after Britain relinquished control of the Palestinian colony. Some 419,000 Palestinians moved out of Israel as a result of the creation of Israel. Tensions between Arabs and Israelis exist today, since an independent Palestinian nation does not exist. 5. Independence for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia - In 1954, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia gain independence from France. For more than a decade, France fought in Indochina to maintain control of these colonies. The threat of communism in nearby China, kept the French entrenched in these battles. While the US disagreed with maintaining colonies, they entered the Vietnam War when the French left in order to not allow communism to take hold in this region of the world. 6. Bandung Conference - In 1955, the Bandung Declaration included signing nations by 56% of the world's population, mostly from Africa and Asia. The declaration called for equality between all people, humanitarian rights, and respect for independence. This conference was significant because it came at a time when

decolonization was beginning and called the world's attention to the issue. 7. Suez Incident - In 1956, Israel invaded Egypt with Britain and France's assistance after the Egyptian government nationalized the Suez Canal. The US strongly urged Britain and France to leave Egypt through diplomatic negotiations. This was a bold attempt by these two countries to return Egypt to colonial status. 8. Sub-Saharan Africa Independence - Though out the years between 1960-1963, many sub-Saharan African nations gained their independence from Britain and France. This period was significant in the decolonization process as independence then spread to many other parts of the world. 9. Pass laws peaceful protest - In 1960 in South Africa, 70 people were killed in a peaceful protest against the pass laws that required Africans to show their reason for passing into white neighborhoods. The next day 30,000 people protested the killings in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was the most notable event to protest the pass laws and apartheid at this time. 10. UN Declaration - In 1961, 29 African and Asian nations issued a UN declaration calling for the independence of all colonies. 89 nations joined in signing this declaration, which was a much large r number than the 4 who signed a similar declaration in the early 1950's. This showed the world's view was changing in favor of colonial independence.