The Routledge Companion to Decolonisation

This is an essential companion to the process of decolonization – perhaps one of the most important historical processes of the twentieth century. Examining decolonization in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific, the Companion includes:

• thematic chapters
• a detailed chronology and thorough glossary
• biographies of key figures
• maps.

Providing comprehensive coverage of a broad and complex subject area, the guide explores:

• the global context for decolonization
• nationalism and the rise of resistance movements
• resistance by white settlers and moves towards independence
• Hong Kong and Macau, and decolonization in the late twentieth century
• debates surrounding neo-colonialism, and the rise of ‘development’ projects and aid
• the legacy of colonialism in law, education, administration and the military.

With suggestions for further reading, and a guide to sources, this is an invaluable resource for students and scholars of the colonial and post-colonial eras, and is an indispensable guide to the reshaping of the world in the twentieth century.

Dietmar Rothermund is Professor Emeritus of South Asian History at the University of Heidelberg. He is chairman of the European Association of South Asian Studies. His publications include The Global Impact of the Great Depression (Routledge, 1996) and (with Hermann Kulke) A History of India (Routledge, 2004).