Creation of India, Pakistan, & Bangladesh

1. Creation of India, Pakistan, & Bangladesh SSWG5f. Explain the division of the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan and the eventual creation of Bangladesh.

2. Colonization of India • Originally a trade partner, then a colony. • British directly controlled India in 1857 • Economic powerhouse • “The sun never sets on the British Empire” • Britain gave them their independence in 1947

3. Mahatma Gandhi • Educated man who helped to free India from British control • Non-violent resistance, marches, economic protest, hunger strikes • Was able to mobilize a nation • Influenced Nelson Mandela & Martin Luther King Jr.

4. Partitioning • After independence two countries were created: • India—primarily Hindu • East Pakistan—primarily Muslim (becomes Bangladesh) • West Pakistan—primarily Muslim (becomes Pakistan) • Violence followed the partitioning with over 1 million people dying

5. Creation of Bangladesh & Pakistan • Even though East & West Pakistan share religion, they did not have the same ethnic groups. • They were also far apart and hard to rule • Both rallied for independence and civil war broke out in 1971 • With the help of India, East Pakistan won their independence and became Bangladesh

6. Kashmir • Area of northern India that is disputed • Both Pakistan & India want to control it • After partitioning, the majority was Muslim but the president was Hindu creating conflict • Kashmir is a critical water source • Fear that the dispute over this area will result in nuclear warfare—Pakistan has tested nuclear weapons in the past