Last nail in the coffin : World War II

70 years ago on this day (Sept 1), Hitler set into motion a sequence of events that changed the world map, literally. In 14th Century, Europe saw the onset of Renaissance and Colonialism encouraged by religious zeal of the then Catholic Church. Thus started the reign of Europe over the whole world for the next 6 centuries.

While the colonization was kicked off by the Spanish, the new age of exploration was driven by Portuguese efforts to find a sea route to India and China for spice trade, then known as the "Indies". The first phase of colonization saw Spanish and Portuguese compete to occupy new lands while the second phase of colonization saw Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Belgium vie for territories.

First Phase of Colonization (1402)

In 1402, Spanish empire occupied Canary Islands archipelago that lies 100KM off the northwest coast of Africa. In next 20 years, Portuguese Empire started expanding as well by occupying Ceuta in North Africa, just south of the Strait of Gibraltar. More Portuguese incursions follow in other areas of Africa, but still closer to Strait of Gibraltar. Earlier, sailors used to fear crossing a particular point (Cape Bojador) in north African coast for fear that they may not able to return. But once overcome, the whole of Muslim West Africa became the Portugal's area of influence.

In 1441, Portuguese bring the first consignment of slaves from Africa to Lisbon, kicking off a trade that became a popular form of Europe's sea trade. In 1452, Pope grants King of Portugal the right to reduce any "Saracens, pagans and any other unbelievers" to hereditary slavery, legitimizing slave trade under Catholic beliefs of that time. This is believed to have been used as justification for subsequent slave trade and aggressive missionary activities to expand Christianity.

Starting in 1481, the Church passed a series of "papal bulls" (edicts) dividing the new worlds between the Spanish and Portuguese in order to resolve growing disputes between the two colonial powers. By 1488, Portuguese explorations continue along the west coast of Africa and reach the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape of Good Hope. Christopher Columbus sails in another direction and discovers the Americas, which he initially believed was Asia. Later on, the newly discovered land was referred to the "New World". This is quickly followed by discovery of South America and its colonization.

In the meantime, Vasco Da Gama proceeds beyond Cape of Good Hope and becomes the first Portuguese explorer to discover sea route to India in 1498. By 1511, Portuguese continue eastward and capture Malacca, in present day Malaysia.

Second wave of colonization (1600)

In a second wave of colonialism, Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and Italy competed to rule the world. This era saw a continuation of missionary activity and had been a cause for conflicts with several indigenous people.

In 1600, English East India Company is formed with full monopoly for trade between tips of African and South American tips (which included all of Asia). In next few years, British settlements in North America appear. France joins the race in 1605, with creation of a colony in North America, now referred to as Nova Scotia in Canada.

Spanish empire started to wane in 17th century as it gradually lost the territories to France. At the same time Portuguese gradually saw their prominence fall. Portuguese territories of Bombay and Tangiers were given to the England as part of Portuguese princess's dowry.

The British East India company gradually gained more area in India fueling tensions with other colonial powers, and eventually muscling them out. British empire spanned across the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia. France continued to occupy parts of South East Asia, India, Americas and Africa. Germany and Italy held some areas in Africa.

Revolutions and World Wars (1776)

By 18th Century, revolutions in the North America and South America resulted in loss of colonial territories of Britain, France and Portugal.

The British colonies of North America, which were established by European immigrants, adopt the “Declaration of Independence” in 1776. This and American Revolution eventually lead to the independent country, the United States of America. Encouraged by the success of American Revolution, new generation of leaders liberate almost all of South America by 1825 from Spain and Portugal.

On the eastern front, “East India Company” witnesses the first war of independence (1857). East India Company crushes the revolt, but ends up handing over control to the British Crown. The struggle for Independence persists and gains momentum during the early 20th century.

The First World War saw the territories of colonial powers change hands. It also resulted in considerable human loss and devastation. A second world war, just 20 years after the World War I ended, caused considerable attrition among all the European powers and became last nail in the coffin.

Post Wars (1945)

After enjoying the fruits of monopoly and suppression of colonies for centuries (refer to the picture below), European nations experienced tremendous devastation and loss. In spite of previous riches, Britain became insolvent after the war and borrowed US$3.75 Billion, Canadian $1.25 and British Pounds 2.5 Billion. Even though victorious, Britain saw rationing of various commodities including food and coal in the aftermath of the war. In the subsequent decades, it had to free its colonies in Indian subcontinent, South East Asia and Africa.

Germany lost 11% of its population to the war and had to pay $20 Billion as reparations to the Allies. In addition, US vigorously carried on a program to acquire as much of scientific know-how and patents as possible.

While the discontent among various European colonies was brewing for some time, World War II was the death-knell for the colonial powers of Europe. As Europe was trying to cope with the aftermath, United States and Soviet Russia emerged as new world powers. From being on the forefront of explorations and occupying territories , Europe became playground for the two superpowers.

Guess the old colonies and new superpowers can thank Hitler for that!

Note : This by no means condones the atrocities committed by Hitler. Hitler's actions along with the several untold massacres by Colonial powers in Latin America, India and Africa resulted in loss of ten's of Millions of innocent lives, which were not deemed worthy enough. The burden of these atrocities is only Europe's' to bear.

From Wikipedia

References :

www. wikipedia.org

uk.encarta.msm.com