Wars of national liberation

Quick Facts: Who was Wars of national liberation?

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Wars of national liberation

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A conflict fought by a nation to gain independence from foreign rule.

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Origins & Early Life

A war of independence, also called a war of national liberation or war of liberation, is a conflict fought by a nation to gain independence. The term is used in conjunction with a war against foreign powers (or at least one perceived as foreign) to establish a separate sovereign state for the rebelling nationality. From a different point of view, such a war is called an insurgency or a rebellion. Guerrilla warfare and terrorism is often utilized by groups labeled as national liberation movements, often with support from other states. The term "war of national liberation" is most commonly used for those fought during the decolonization movement.

Career & Major Achievements

Since these were primarily in the third world, against Western powers and their economic influence, and a major aspect of the Cold War, the phrase has often been applied selectively to criticize the foreign power involved. Some of these wars were either vocally or materially supported by the Soviet Union, which claimed to be an anti-imperialist power, supporting the replacement of Western-backed governments with local Communist or other non pro-Western parties. In January 1961 Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev pledged support for "wars of national liberation" throughout the world. On the other hand, the Soviet involvement was often viewed as a way to increase the size and influence of the Soviet Bloc, and thus a form of imperialism itself. The People's Republic of China criticized the Soviet Union as being social imperialist.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In turn, China presented themselves as models of independent nationalist development outside of Western influence, particularly as such posturing and other long-term hostility meant they were regarded as a threat to Western power and regarded themselves as such, using their resources to politically, economically and militarily assist movements such as in Vietnam. When the nation is defined in ethnic terms, wars fought to liberate it have often entailed ethnic cleansing or genocide in order to rid the claimed territory of other population groups. International law generally holds that a people with a legal right to self-determination are entitled to wage wars of national liberation. While Western states tend to view these wars as civil wars, Third World and communist states tend to view them as international wars. This difference in classification leads to varying perceptions of which laws of war apply in such situations.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1961: 1961 Milestone — In January 1961 Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev pledged support for "wars of national liberation" throughout the world.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Wars of national liberation

True or False: “The term 'war of national liberation' is exclusively used for conflicts occurring during the decolonization movement.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While most commonly associated with decolonization, the term can also apply to other struggles against perceived foreign powers.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Sorkin — Historical peer (Born in 1961) (1961): Master of fast-paced dialogue, known for 'walk and talk' storytelling.
• Abderrahmane Sissako — Historical peer (Born in 1961) (1961): Mauritanian-born Malian film director known for themes of globalization and exile.
• Wars of Scottish Independence — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A defining period of national struggle where Scotland fought for its sovereignty against English domination.
• Wars of the Diadochi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A series of conflicts among Alexander's generals over the succession to his vast empire.
• Wars of the Roses — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A series of English civil wars (1455–1487) fought for the English throne between York and Lancaster.
• Wars of the Three Kingdoms — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A series of conflicts (1639–1653) spanning England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wars of national liberation