POLI 227 Lecture Notes - Anti-Imperialism, Bourgeoisie, Meddle

• School: McGill University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POLI 227
• Professor: Rex Brynen

Document Summary

Decolonization in asia and africa: unlike in the americas, where europeanized populations led the struggle for independence, nationalist movements rooted in changed in local society were hastened by colonialism. Anti-colonialism was in rural areas of africa and asia and supported by elites and peasants. They also could be co-opted elites (who benefited from colonialism), whether they were traditional or new elites. Peasant populations may support anti-colonial movements because they were harmed by colonial taxation policy, they may be upset at being marginalized, etc. Peasants don"t revolt easily ( they are busy surviving ) and may have a weaker sense of national identity because their economy, family, life are so tied to locality. To have a successful revolt, mass resistance is required and the support of the peasants in important. Anti-colonialism was also driven by alienated rural migrants, a small but growing working class, students, civil servants, professionals, petit bourgeoisie, and the bourgeoisie.