ABSTRACT

There was never a time when discontented peoples did not chafe against the strictures imposed by imperial rule. By the twentieth century well-organised anti-colonial nationalist movements were active throughout the Empire, calling for a greater say in the futures of their nations or for independence from Britain. The two world wars took their toll, bringing discontent, violence and sometimes dramatic action against the British to many parts of the world. Colonies hoped and expected that their wartime contributions would be recognised with a degree of self-determination, and their disappointment at British reluctance to make good on this fuelled anti-colonial activism. Even the white settler colonies demanded more independence in exchange for their support of Britain in the two wars. Anti-colonialism was not limited, however, to those living under its yoke. In Britain itself, those opposed to colonialism were also articulate and active in their demands for the end of empire.