Summary

Summary - Outbreak of World War II and its Impact in Colonies

The unjust nature of Versailles Peace Treaty, failure of League of Nations, economic depression of the 1930s, expansionist policies of Fascist powers like Italy, Germany and Japan, all contributing to the outbreak of World War II are discussed.

The importance of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour, the Battle of Stalingrad and bombing of Dresden, the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki are highlighted.

Peace settlement with Axis powers and their allies, the establishment of UNO and the total outcome of the War are analysed.

The woes of Chinese peasants and the open door policy pursued by the Manchu rulers, resulting in China being carved out as spheres of influence by the foreign powers like Britain and France are detailed.

Spread of Christianity and interference of foreigners in Chinese administration and Japanese aggression of Chinese territories whipped up nationalist sentiments of the Chinese and prodding them to revolt are explained.

Role played by Sun- Yat- sen and Mao-Tse Tung in mobilising the Chinese against Manchu dynasty and in establishing People’s government are described.

The Long March of Mao and the subsequent developments leading finally to the establishment of communist rule in China are elaborated.

The history of liberation struggles, with particular reference to Indonesia and the Philippines, is traced.

Japanese occupation of these two regions for more than three years and eventual emergence of nationalist movements leading to the overthrow of the colonial regimes in Indonesia and the Philippines are explored.