Comparing decolonisation across the former British Empire
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare and contrast different British colonies to explain how experiences of decolonisation varied considerably.
Key learning points
- The British Empire experienced significant decolonisation after the Second World War.
- Although decolonisation was complex and experiences varied considerably, it was a peaceful process in many places.
- Decolonisation was more likely to involve violence in the colonies that were the most valuable to Britain.
- Decolonisation in Ireland, India and Palestine was a violent process involving controversial partition processes.
- British actions were directly or indirectly responsible for much of the violence that took place during decolonisation.
Keywords
Decolonisation - the process by which colonies ruled by an empire achieve independence
Nationalist - someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations
Partition - to divide into parts
Constitution - the basic principles or laws which govern a nation state
Reform - a change introduced to improve something, often a system or law
Common misconception
The British Empire was different from other European empires because Britain willingly relinquished control of its colonies and decolonisation was mostly a peaceful process.
While it was a peaceful process in some British colonies, decolonisation involved significant violence in other colonies. Even in colonies where decolonisation was relatively peaceful there was some violence (e.g., Accra Riots in the Gold Coast).
Teacher tip
Extend pupils' thinking by getting them to create Venn diagrams to compare and contrast the experiences of decolonisation in different colonies.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1. was the main crop grown on plantations in Britain's Caribbean colonies during the 17th century.
Q2.The caused widespread unemployment and poverty in Britain's Caribbean colonies.
Q3.In 1938, the British government sent a team led by Lord Moyne to the Caribbean to...
Q4.Universal was introduced in Jamaica in 1944.
Q5.After Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago decided to leave, the West Indian Federation was dissolved in...
Q6.Alexander became the first Prime Minister of independent Jamaica in 1962.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Starting with the earliest, place these events in chronological order.
Q2.Which statement best describes decolonisation in the British Empire?
Q3.In which British colonies was decolonisation a peaceful process?
Q4.In which British colonies was decolonisation a violent process?
Q5.Which statement best describes Britain's responsibility for violence during decolonisation?
Q6.Which of these factors often led to peaceful decolonisation?
To help you plan your 9 history lesson on: Comparing decolonisation across the former British Empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 history lesson on: Comparing decolonisation across the former British Empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Decolonisation: how similar was decolonisation throughout the British Empire? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.