#AP World History: Modern - Decolonization & New States: The Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP World History champ! Let's dive into the crucial topic of decolonization and the formation of new states. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially if you're reviewing the night before the exam. We'll break down complex topics, highlight key connections, and make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it! Let's get started!

#🌍 The End of Empires: A World Transformed

#Key Concepts: Decolonization & Its Aftermath

• Decolonization: The process by which colonies gained independence from their colonizers. It's a major theme in the 20th century, reshaping the global political map. 🗺️
• Nationalism: A powerful force driving decolonization, as people sought self-determination and freedom from foreign rule.
• Cold War Influence: The rivalry between the US and the USSR often influenced the process of decolonization, with both superpowers vying for influence in newly independent states.
• Legacy of Colonialism: The economic, political, and social structures established by colonial powers often created challenges for new nations.

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• Economic Exploitation: Colonial powers extracted resources and established trade systems that benefited them, often at the expense of the colonies.
• Political Instability: Arbitrary borders and the suppression of local political structures often led to conflict and instability after independence.
• Social Divisions: Colonial policies often exacerbated existing social divisions or created new ones, leading to long-term challenges.

#🇮🇱 Case Study: Israel

#The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Historical Roots: The conflict stems from a long history of colonialism and displacement. For centuries, Palestinian Arabs lived alongside a smaller Jewish population in the region.
• British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations gave Britain control over Palestine.
• Post-WWII: The British decided to end the Mandate and refer the question of Palestine's future to the United Nations.
• Zionism: The movement to establish a Jewish state gained momentum after the Holocaust, with leaders arguing it was a moral imperative. 💡

#The Creation of Israel

• 1948: The British left, and Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948. The US recognized the new state immediately.
• Arab-Israeli War: Arab states rejected the new state and invaded, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
• The Nakba: The war resulted in the displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians, known as the Nakba (“catastrophe”).
• Ongoing Conflict: The region has endured multiple wars, ongoing occupation, and persistent conflict due to unresolved issues like Israeli settlements, Palestinian refugees' right of return, and security concerns.

Caption: The UN Partition Plan for Palestine, which was never fully implemented, proposed dividing the region into separate Jewish and Arab states.

#🇰🇭 Case Study: Cambodia

#The Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Genocide

• French Colonial Legacy: Cambodia gained independence in 1953 but struggled with the political and economic legacy of French colonialism.
• Vietnam War Influence: The power vacuum left by the French, coupled with regional instability due to the Vietnam War, led to political turmoil.
• Rise of the Khmer Rouge: A communist group led by Pol Pot, fueled by resentment against Western interference.
• Brutal Regime: The Khmer Rouge implemented forced collectivization and violently suppressed opponents (1975-1979).
• Cambodian Genocide: Approximately 1.5 to 2 million people died due to the Khmer Rouge's actions, exacerbated by international inaction and Cold War dynamics. 💔

Caption: Map of Cambodia, highlighting the regions affected by the Khmer Rouge's brutal regime.

#🇵🇰 Case Study: Pakistan

#The Partition of India and Creation of Pakistan

• **British