SLG SS3 1.5 The Struggles of Independence in Africa and Some Parts of Asia

SOCIAL SCIENCE 3
LG 1.5 THE STRUGGLES OF INDEPENDENCE IN AFRICA

AND OTHER PARTS OF ASIA
At the end of this module, you will be able to:

 Describe the struggles for independence in Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia
(Middle East), and Central Asia.
Suggested Time: 1 min | Actual Time Spent: min(s)
What happened to nations that were colonized by Westerners? Did they get their independence after
World War II? If so, what could be the challenges that newly independent nations experienced?
Let’s find out!
Our past discussions about the Age of Imperialism and Colonization gave you some insights about
the challenges that colonized nations experienced. For so long, these colonized nations had been actively
demanding their colonizers genuine independence and self-rule. When the two global wars happened, these
nations participated by either taking side with their colonizers or taking the opportunity to rise-up and fight
their long-time oppressors. Whatever and whoever side they were on, one thing is for sure, they did what
they thought might be best for their country.
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PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 1 of 7

AFRICA
In the previous quarters, you have studied that this continent was exploited by Westerners.
Achieving freedom after long years of battle and demand is a dream come true for the colonized. However,
they are left to face the marks of chaos, economic and political instability that the colonizers left. Africa has
no choice, but to soldier alone in the battle of recovery to save their countries from the damages they did
not commit.
These are some African countries that gained their independence after the war.
COUNTRIES LEADER/S STRUGGLES/PROBLEMS

 Kwame Nkrumah became the first Prime Minister
Ghana Kwame
of Ghana and their President for life.
(formerly Nkrumah
 He pushed for the country’s industrialization and
called as Gold
wanted to improve social services.
Coast)
 He wanted to push for Pan-Africa (vision of
strengthening all countries in Africa) because he
wanted to create “United States of Africa,” but
failed because they did not have much money to
support his programs and his vision for Africa.
 Ghana only experienced to have an open election
in 2000.
Kenya Jomo  He led Kenya’s independence from Great Britain.

Kenyatta  He believed that Africa can only soar to greater
heights if they’re given the chance to practice self-
rule.
 Various ethnic groups became very challenging to
unite.
 His death resulted to the rise of Daniel arap Moi,
who faced issues of corruption that made Kenya
submerged more in poverty and chaos. Moi
stepped down in 2002.
 He became the first president of Algeria. He tried
Algeria Ahmed Ben
to make Algeria a socialist state, but failed.
Bella
 Unemployment and dissatisfaction with the
government gave rise to religious
fundamentalism. Islamic militants and the
government had series of civil war that affected
their economy and stability.
Congo  He ruled Congo for 32 years. He was faced with
(called Zaire Mobutu
armed rebels who wanted to take control.
Sese Seko
from 1971-  In 1997, a rebel leader Laurent Kabila
1997) Kabila successfully seized the throne and he renamed
Zaire to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
 Kabila promised democracy and free elections,
but failed to fulfill his promises instead he became
an autocratic ruler. He was assassinated in 2001

and was replaced by his son, Joseph Kabila.
 Joseph Kabila tried his best to revive their
economy and promoted peace.
 Issues on apartheid policy (complete separation of
South Africa Desmond
races). This policy was promoted by Western
Tutu
colonizers such as the Dutch and the British. This
F.W de can also be observed in the US during those times.
Klerk  Desmond Tutu wanted to end apartheid by
appealing to the masses not to conduct business
Nelson with foreigners, but many nations retaliated and
Mandela imposed trade restrictions against South Africa.
They also banned South Africa from participating
Thabo
in the Olympics Games.
Mbeki
 Minority government (led by whites) banned
socialization between whites and blacks. They
also created segregated schools, neighborhood,
and even hospitals.
 Although President F.W de Klerk was a Dutch
who ruled South Africa, he agreed to have an
election that would allow people from all races to
vote. Nelson Mandela won the election.
 Nelson Mandela did his best to unify the people
and alleviate discrimination of all races. He was
succeeded by Mbeki who focused his agenda on
how to combat the challenges of unemployment,
high crime rate, poverty, and AIDS epidemic.
ASIA
MIDDLE EAST
IRAN- When Reza Shah Pahlavi came to power, he recognized the vital role of oil industry in the
development of their economy, but many Iranian nationalists opposed the idea of welcoming Western
companies and alliances, thus they turned to Prime Minister Muhammed Mossadeq. Under the new
leadership of Mosaddeq, they succeeded in acquiring and turning British-owned oil company to a state
company. With the growing power and influence of the former Prime Minister, Pahlavi feared that he might
be endangered so he was forced to escape. With the growing rivalry of the United States (ally of Great
Britain and other European countries that conducted oil trade in Iran and has large interest in Iran’s oil
supply) and the Soviet Union, the former feared that Pahlavi might seek help to the Soviets so the US
supported the Shah to be restored to power. Under the Shah’s new administration, he did his best to
modernize the country by allowing modern developments to be instilled in the capital. Ayatollahs,
conservative Muslims leaders, did not want to support this as it may contradict to some religious beliefs.
With the influence of the Grand Ayatollah (supreme leader), Ruholla Khomeini, they succeeded in
encouraging the people to protest and riot in Iran’s major cities. Khomeini became Iran’s new leader and
he established an Islamic state that adheres to Shia Islamic practices. They wanted to wipe out secular
governments by encouraging and supporting the people to overthrow leaders that supported Western ways
especially the United States. Their anger rooted from the meddling of the United States in their political
affairs, so they adopted anti-US policies. Their goal of unifying Muslims under the umbrella of
conservatism and Shia Islam posed threats to other Muslim states especially nations that adhered to Sunni

Islamic beliefs.
IRAQ-Unlike Iran, this nation was considered as a secular state ruled by a military leader, Saddam Hussein.
Differences in Islamic beliefs and intrusion of foreign powers in their economic and political system caused
war to break out between Iran and Iraq. The United States of America secretly aided both countries to fight
each other because it targets to maintain the balance of power in the region. On the other hand, Iraq had
long been supported by the Soviet Union, a rival of the United States which is obviously not favorable to
the US if Iraq were to win so to keep the balance of power, Uncle Sam supported both.
ISRAEL-The Diaspora (global dispersal of Jewish people) happened in the 6th Century BCE. This event
made conquerors and invaders occupy the former territories of the Jews. Although, some stayed and built a
small community, their population and resources were not enough to establish a state that the Jews could
claim for their own. A lot of Jews experienced discrimination in the different parts of the globe that
prompted Zionists to promote for the reestablishment of their homeland in the 19 th and 20th centuries. British
Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour supported this by orchestrating an idea that would soon make Jewish
homeland in Palestine. After World War II and the Holocaust, many nations sympathized with the Jews to
create their homeland and the United Nations General Assembly favored the partition of Palestine into two,
Arab state (for Muslims) and Jewish state (for Jews) with consideration that Jerusalem will become an
international city which means, it will not be owned by neither Jews nor Arabs. This partition was opposed
by Islamic countries and was rejected by Palestinian Arabs, but with the support of many nations, Israel
was declared as an independent state in May 14, 1948. Though Jews had finally reclaimed their land,
Palestinian Arabs did not accept this. Wars and conflicts followed up to these days.
CENTRAL ASIA
THE STANS- Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan are the nations in
Central Asia. They got their independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It was difficult for
these nations to stand alone as they were used to depend their economy and political affairs with the Soviet
leaders. In terms of their economies, some of these countries have oil supplies, but they did not know how
to utilize it at first because the Soviets engaged them more in the cotton industry. Conflicts also happened
due to ethnic and religious differences.
SOUTH ASIA
AFGHANISTAN-This country managed to stay out of the Soviet Union and the United States’ shadows.
However, the growing influence of the Soviet’s communist principles reached Afghanistan. As a response,
Muslims revolted against Afghan Communist regime which compelled Soviets to invade Afghanistan. The
United States feared that if the Soviets were to win the war, they might control oil supplies in the Middle
East so the Americans aided the Afghan rebels called mujahideen to counter Soviet soldiers. In addition to
this, US President Jimmy Carter ceased grain shipment to the Soviet Union and encouraged American
athletes not to join the Moscow Olympics in 1980. When Mikhail Gorbachev became the president of the
Soviet Union, he asserted that maintaining troops in the Afghan soil was expensive so he finally withdrew
Soviet troops in 1989. Internal problems began to rise again as many rebel groups clashed to control the
country. The Taliban, a very conservative Islamic group, became the prominent group in the country. At
the beginning, they proliferated economic growth, campaigned against corruption, and they brought order,
but their extreme perception about Islamic laws made them craft policies that eventually affected the social,
political, and economic aspects of Afghanistan.
INDIA- Religious differences played a crucial role in India’s struggles for independence. When they were

granted independence, the issue of who will lead India became a national problem. Both Muslims and
Hindus did not want each other to hold the political leadership. The Indian National Congress (comprised
of mostly Hindus, but also has Muslim members) and the Muslim League were the two organizations or
parties that supposedly promote India’s unification, but it resulted to the division of people. The Muslim
League leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah encouraged all Muslims to resign from the National Congress as the
League believed that the former organization was only protecting Hindu interests. Jinnah specified that he
will not support and accept Indian liberty if it were to be ruled by Hindu-dominated party. He expressed his
sentiments about the issue of unifying these groups. through his statement, “the only thing the Muslim has
in common with the Hindu is his slavery to the British” To solve the problem, Great Britain decided to
partition India into two states (for Muslim and for Hindus). In 1947, India and Pakistan were created.
Jawaharlal Nehru ruled India while Muhammad Ali Jinnah ruled Pakistan. The people were given a chance
to decide where to go. Other groups who were not Hindus or Muslims such as the Sikhs also struggled
because they were not welcomed by either group. Many Muslims killed Sikhs who wanted to settle in India.
Many Sikhs and Hindus also killed Muslims who wanted to stay in Pakistan. It was a time of mess and
chaos. Mahatma Gandhi, an advocate of non-violence appealed to the people. Sadly, conflict between
Hindus and Muslims was again heightened due to Kashmir, a small region found in the Northern part of
India and is very near to Pakistan. It has a majority Muslim population, but has a Hindu leader. They fought
over the power to control the region.
PAKISTAN AND BANGLADESH- Pakistan was divided into two, East and West. They are very different
in terms of language, geography, history, economics, and ethnicity. The only thing that bounded them was
the Islam religion. Their relationship was tested when a disaster (tidal wave and giant cyclone) struck East
Pakistan. Foreign donations were given to the people through the central government which was located in
West Pakistan, but the people in the East complained that the West did not immediately give them the
donations especially during the times when they desperately needed it. This triggered the differences of the
East and West Pakistan which eventually led to their separation. In 1971, East Pakistan became and
independent nation and adopted the name Bangladesh while West Pakistan became the Pakistan that we
know today.
SRI LANKA (formerly known as Ceylon)- They gained their independence from Great Britain in 1948.
The struggles of Sri Lanka were caused by religious and political differences. There were two dominant
groups who settled in the area, Tamil-Hindus (mostly from Northern Sri Lanka and Southern India) and
Buddhists. Even before, many Tamils wanted to create an independent Tamil nation, but they were
unsuccessful. In 2009, the struggle between the Tamil separatist forces and the government of Sri Lanka
was settled when the latter defeated Tamil forces.
SOUTH EAST ASIA

PHILIPPINES- After World War II, the United States of America granted Filipinos their independence. Since
the Philippines was also damaged during the war, the United States promised $620 million as a payment and
aid to keep the economy rolling. Unfortunately, this promise came with a price and that is, they will give the
money if the Philippines were to approve the Bell Trade Act which states that the two countries will have a free
trade for eight years and they will subsequently increase tariffs. This Act exploited Philippine resources and
made America gain huge profits. It was no doubt that the Philippines experienced struggles after the war due to
issues involving economic problems, insurgencies, corruption, and disputes.
MYANMAR (formerly known as Burma)- This country had long been demanding freedom from Great
Britain. It was only after World War II that they became a sovereign republic. It also struggled economically
and politically. They experienced clashes between military government and pro-democratic forces, conflict was
also raised between communists and ethnic groups.

MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE-Singapore and Malaysia were under the colony of Great Britain, but even
before World War II happened, they struggled in terms of ethnic groups because in Singapore, majority of the
people who live there were Chinese (brought by the British to work for their plantation during the Age of British
Imperialism) and Malays comprised the slight majority in the whole peninsula. After the war, Great Britain put
down communists and tried to unite the people in the peninsula. However, it was hard for them to unify the area
due to ethnic differences. Still, the Federation of Malaya (Singapore, Malaya, Sarawak, and Sabah) was created
in 1957. After a few years, Singapore separated from the Federation in 1965 and became an independent state
while Malaya, Sarawak, and Sabah united and became what we know today as Malaysia.
INDONESIA- Just like other countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia had also been fighting for its independence
even before the two World Wars happened. Finally, the Dutch granted Indonesia’s independence in 1949. They
also struggled because of corruption of their leaders and conflicts among the different ethnic groups. Indonesia
has 300 ethnic groups, 250 languages, different religions, and it is considered as one of the world’s most
populous nation. It is not surprising that Indonesia experienced ethnic strife, and religious differences. Under
Suharto, they annexed East Timor in 1976 and they were criticized for their human rights violations against
East Timorese.
EAST TIMOR-When Indonesia annexed this nation, East Timorese did their best to regain their freedom. They
were backed by the United Nations through a referendum that allowed the people to vote for their independence.
The pro-Indonesian forces did not want to accept the referendum and it resulted to the killings of many
Timorese. With the efforts of the United Nations, peace was eventually restored. In 2002, East Timor was
granted its independence.
GRADED: Alternative Assessment (20 pts)

Create a photo-essay in relation to the lessons we have discussed. To do this, choose a region (Central Asia,
Africa, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia) that experienced struggles and problems. Take a photo of an object,
scenery, or anything in your home that may represent their struggles when they got their independence. For
those who are working on modular (just the name of the object or you may draw if you want). In 5-8 sentences,
explain how their struggles can be related to the object or scenery in the picture.
5 4 3 2 1
Central Idea There is one Central idea is Central idea is Central idea is The central
clear, well- clear and is clear but the somewhat idea is not
focused topic. supported by supporting clear, but clear. There is
Central idea the information there is a need a seemingly
stands out and photograph (photograph for more random
is strongly and content in and essay) is supporting collection of
supported by the essay. general. information. information.
the Reader/ Reader/ viewer Little is
photography viewer learns learns some learned by
and information information reading and
comprehensive about the about the viewing the
content in the topic. topic. essay.
essay.

Photo Impact The The The connection The viewer The viewer
photograph photograph between the can see some cannot see a
clearly clearly photograph connection relationship
represents the represents the and the central between the between the
central idea. central idea. idea is clear. photograph essay and the
The photo The photos The photos and the photograph.
“speaks for demonstrate demonstrate central idea.
itself”. some original some The
thinking. creativity. photograph is
not
particularly
creative.
Essay All supportive Almost all Most There are No facts are
facts are supportive supportive some lapses in reported or
reported facts are facts are accuracy of most are
accurately. The reported reported reported facts. inaccurate.
essay concisely accurately. accurately. The The ideas Many of the
present fresh, The essay ideas presented are reported ideas
original ideas presents clear presented are too wordy and are unclear.
that elaborate ideas that understandable word choice is The central
on the central support the but fuzzy. The bland. There is focus is
idea. Precise, central idea. essay focuses no connection unclear. The
descriptive Details are on a single idea between the word choice is
language is used that suit yet use of essay and the weak. And the
used to each photo. language is a accompanying essay does not
complement little success. photo. suit the photo.
the photo.
Sequencing Details are Details are Some details Many details Most details
placed in a placed in a are not in a are not in a are not in a
logical order; logical order logical or logical order logical or
and the way but the way in expected which makes it expected
they are which they are order. And this difficult for the order. There is
presented presented or distracts the reader to little sense
effectively introduced reader. follow. that the
keeps the occasionally writing is
interest of the makes the organized.
reader. writing less
interesting.
TOTAL

It was indeed difficult to stand alone as a nation especially when you gained your
independence at a time when you were financially incapable of making your
economy stable. Amidst the difficulties and challenges brought by colonization, the
determination to topple down slavery and tyranny became the inspiration of every
nation to come out victoriously and find solutions to the different problems that they
had gone through. As members of our own societies, may we all realize that the true
essence of achieving independence cannot just be seen on the written agreement of
granting liberty by the colonizers to the colonized, but it should linger on to every
individual to push for the commitment of creating a society that is livable by all,
regardless of race, religion, and status in life. For what have we really gained if we
achieved our freedom, yet we are caged with anger, chaos, violence, discrimination,
and hate towards our fellow citizens? Let freedom soar, and let it spread with dignity
and peace!
References:
*Lay-out and Design of Learning Guide Credit: Nneka B. Evangelista, SS 5 Teacher, PSHS-
CALABARZON Campus
Beck, R. B., Black, L., Krieger, L., Naylor, P. C., & Shabaka, D. I. (2014). Chapter 20
Section 2 European Nations Settle North America. In World history: Patterns of
interaction. Orlando, FL: Holt McDougal/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
References:
*Lay-out and Design of Learning Guide Credit: Nneka B. Evangelista, SS 5 Teacher, PSHS-
CALABARZON Campus
Beck, R. B., Black, L., Krieger, L., Naylor, P. C., & Shabaka, D. I. (2014). Chapter 20 Section 2
European Nations Settle North America. In World history: Patterns of interaction. Orlando,
FL: Holt McDougal/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Prepared by: Zandra B. Lid-ayan Reviewed by: Joeylyn H. Terania

Position: Special Science Teacher II Position: Special Science Teacher I
Campus: PSHS-IRC Campus: PSHS-WVC

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SOCIAL SCIENCE 3

LG 1.5 THE STRUGGLES OF INDEPENDENCE IN AFRICA

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

Suggested Time: 1 min | Actual Time Spent: min(s)

Suggested Time: 1 min | Actual Time Spent: min(s)

PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 1 of 7

COUNTRIES LEADER/S STRUGGLES/PROBLEMS

Kenya Jomo  He led Kenya’s independence from Great Britain.

PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 2 of 7

PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 3 of 7

PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 4 of 7

SOUTH EAST ASIA

PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 5 of 7

GRADED: Alternative Assessment (20 pts)

PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 6 of 7

PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 7 of 7

Prepared by: Zandra B. Lid-ayan Reviewed by: Joeylyn H. Terania

PSHS Social Science 3: World History 2 | Page 8 of 8

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