National liberation movements
Also called: Anti-colonial nationalism · Topic: Nationalism and National Self-determination · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Nationalism"
Meaning
National liberation movements were anti-colonial struggles in Asia and Africa. They claimed the right of national self-determination, meaning a people's right to govern itself, against colonial rulers. Their aim was to win dignity, justice, rights and prosperity for their people. International law later backed them, through UN Charter Arts. 1(2) and 55, UNGA Resolution 1514 (1960) on independence for colonial peoples, and common Art. 1 of the ICCPR and ICESCR (1966). This shows nationalism's freeing, positive side.
Example
India's freedom struggle is a leading example. It was largely civic and plural, from the Congress's inclusive platform after 1885 to Gandhian mass movements. The paradox: states that won freedom this way often resist their own minorities when they claim the same right. Nigeria crushed Biafra's attempt to break away (1967-70).
Don't confuse with
- Separatism: liberation movements fought foreign colonial rule. Separatism is a demand by a group inside an already independent state to break away from it.