What were the major decolonization movements in South America and Oceania?

Decolonization Movements Questions



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What were the major decolonization movements in South America and Oceania?

In South America, the major decolonization movements were primarily focused on gaining independence from European colonial powers. Some of the notable movements include:

1. The Latin American Wars of Independence: These were a series of revolutions and uprisings that took place in the early 19th century, leading to the independence of countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela from Spanish colonial rule.

2. The Brazilian Independence Movement: Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822 through a peaceful process led by Dom Pedro I, the son of the Portuguese king.

3. The Cuban Revolution: This movement led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara successfully overthrew the U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959, resulting in the establishment of a socialist government in Cuba.

In Oceania, the major decolonization movements were centered around the Pacific Islands and aimed at ending the colonial rule of various European powers. Some significant movements include:

1. The Maori Land Rights Movement: In New Zealand, the Maori people fought for the recognition of their land rights and cultural autonomy, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which established a partnership between the British Crown and the Maori chiefs.

2. The Indonesian National Revolution: This movement, led by figures like Sukarno and Hatta, successfully gained independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1949, resulting in the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia.

3. The Papua New Guinea Independence Movement: Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975 after a gradual process of self-government and negotiations.

It is important to note that these are just a few examples, and there were numerous other decolonization movements in South America and Oceania that played a significant role in shaping the post-colonial landscape of these regions.