Wiley-Blackwell Decolonization and its Impact: A Comparitive Approach to the End of the Colonial Empires (History of the Contemporary World)

Decolonization and its Impact is a ground-breaking comparative study of decolonization from before the Second World War to the early 1960s. Compares key cases across the European colonial empires Focuses on the process and impact of decolonization at the level of the 'late colonial state' and of colonial societies Presents an original model of decolonization that seeks to reconcile imperial and nationalist perspectives Engages with important theoretical approaches Makes extensive reference to recent literature on the subject Review "Decolonization and its Impact provides a well-written survey of mid-twentieth century decolonization. Shipway's expertise in the French experience of this period is self-evident and, with Madagascar and Sudan, he has focused on case studies which are often overlooked in works of this kind. The book is based on an extensive bibliography, and while not dramatically re-casting existing historical explanations, it will make a welcome addition to undergraduate reading lists on decolonization." (South African Historical Journal, July 2010) "[The] book represents a notable accomplishment, a feat of stylish synthesis and compression which will inject still greater energy into an already vigorous debate." (H-Soz-u-Kult, June 2010) “This book offers both original insights and a meticulous engagement with the existing historiography on the subject.” (The American Historical Review, February 2010) "It provides a much needed comparative review of European decolonization, grounded in a thorough survey of the most recent literature on the subject ... .A rich, insightful and deeply rewarding survey of decolonization." (The International History Review, December 2009) "The scope of the account is global ... with an admirable combination of detail and attention to broad historic trends. Recommended." (CHOICE) Review "A master of concision, Shipway presents a complex story with clarity and verve. Wearing his scholarly erudition lightly, he combines up-to-date historiography with engaging case studies and lucid prose." ―Jane Samson, University of Alberta From the Inside Flap Decolonization and its Impact is a ground-breaking comparative study of decolonization from before the Second World War to the early 1960s. It focuses on the process and impact of decolonizationat the level of the ‘late colonial state’ and of colonial societies, with reference to a number of key cases across the European colonial empires. The book presents an original model of decolonization which seeks to reconcileimperial and nationalist perspectives, and engages with important theoretical approaches. Major themes include: the development of the colonial state; the emergence of nationalist movements and alternatives to nationalism in colonial societies; the interplay between colonial reformism and anti-colonial politics after 1945; wars and emergencies; the impact of decolonization on metropolitan society and politics; and the 'endgame' of decolonization. While decolonization is often seen as 'inevitable', the emphasis throughout the book is on decolonization as a dynamic and often violent political crisis, the resolution of which had many unintended outcomes, not only for the colonial powers but also for post-colonial regimes and societies. From the Back Cover Decolonization and its Impact is a ground-breaking comparative study of decolonization from before the Second World War to the early 1960s. It focuses on the process and impact of decolonizationat the level of the ‘late colonial state’ and of colonial societies, with reference to a number of key cases across the European colonial empires. The book presents an original model of decolonization which seeks to reconcileimperial and nationalist perspectives, and engages with important theoretical approaches. Major themes include: the development of the colonial state; the emergence of nationalist movements and alternatives to nationalism in colonial societies; the