All Activities
History

The Road to Independence

Overview

Students explore how and why colonised nations gained independence in the 20th century, examining different paths and the challenges of building new nations.

Learning Objective
Students understand the process of decolonisation, the variety of paths to independence, and the challenges nations faced after independence.

Resources needed

  • None

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Ask: how do you think a colonised country might achieve independence? List possible methods.
  2. 2 Introduce: after 1945, most colonised countries became independent — this is called decolonisation.
  3. 3 Discuss different paths: negotiated independence, armed struggle, civil disobedience, international pressure.
  4. 4 Give two contrasting examples of independence movements — different methods, different outcomes.
  5. 5 Ask: what challenges did newly independent countries face? (borders drawn by colonisers, economic dependency, political inexperience).
  6. 6 Discuss: was independence automatically the end of colonial influence? What continued?
  7. 7 Ask: who decided the borders of post-colonial countries? Why is this still a source of conflict today?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Focus on the independence of the local or regional country in depth.
  • Debate: was armed struggle ever necessary to achieve independence?
  • Examine the role of international organisations like the UN in supporting decolonisation.
More information

Teach: decolonisation, independence, nationalism, self-determination, sovereignty, transition, neo-colonialism. Connect explicitly to the earlier colonialism lesson.

Focus on one independence movement in detail rather than comparing multiple examples.

Can students describe two different paths to independence? Can they explain at least one challenge that persisted after formal independence was achieved?

Entirely discussion-based using teacher knowledge. No materials needed.

Students often think independence immediately ended all colonial influence. Economic, cultural, and political ties frequently persisted well beyond formal independence.

Decolonisation is one of the defining processes of the 20th century. Understanding it is essential context for contemporary global politics, economics, and conflict.

Activity details
Secondary Challenging 25–30 minutes no prep Small Group, Whole Class Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Decolonisation Independence Movements Nationalism