In the aftermath of World War I, strained relations between London and its colonies initiated a process of imperial decline. After decades of struggle over Home Rule, southern Ireland became independent in 1922. The interwar period saw a significant rise in anti-imperialist thinking in Britain and the emergence of independence movements in virtually all of its dominions. After World War II, the British empire quickly dissolved. India and Pakistan achieved independence in 1947, Britain left Palestine in 1948 and Egypt in 1956. During the 1950s and 1960s, it withdrew from its African colonies. Political, social and cultural processes linked to decolonization shaped Britain. As a result, after 1945 Britain saw a rise in migration from its (former) colonies in the Caribbean and from the Indian subcontinent with major impact on British politics, society and culture. Drawing on academic literature, we will explore the domestic political and cultural properties of British decolonization. Furthermore, we will examine and discuss various primary sources in the Seminar which will allow us to analyze the long-lasting effects of decolonization and post-colonial migration. Students will each analyze one primary source and present their findings to the class. This oral assignment, in addition to regular attendance and active participation, constitutes a ‘Studienleistung’. The additional term paper counts as a ‘Prüfungsleistung’. |