In 3 - 5 simple sentences, explain how the Cold War influenced independence and nationalist movements. Give one example from Africa and one example from the Middle East
During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union sought to gain allies in their ideological battle, leading them to support independence and nationalist movements in various regions. For example, in Africa, the superpowers provided aid and military support to nationalist movements fighting against colonial powers, such as the support given to Nelson Mandela's African National Congress in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. In the Middle East, the Cold War fueled nationalist sentiments as various countries sought to assert their independence from colonial powers and align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union for support, leading to conflicts like the Arab-Israeli conflict. Overall, the Cold War played a significant role in shaping the landscape of independence and nationalist movements in Africa and the Middle East during the 20th century.
