How did nationalism contribute to changes in Africa and the Middle East following WWI?'

Nationalism played a pivotal role in shaping the post-World War I landscape in Africa and the Middle East in several ways:

1. Breakup of Empires: The collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the dismantling of European colonial empires in Africa sparked nationalist movements seeking independence and self-governance. Nationalist sentiments fueled aspirations for sovereignty and autonomy among diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural groups.
2. Creation of New Nation-States: Nationalist movements in both regions led to the emergence of new nation-states. In Africa, this often meant the overthrow of colonial rule and the establishment of independent countries. In the Middle East, the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire led to the creation of modern nation-states based on ethnic and religious identities.
3. Reshaping Borders: Nationalist movements sought to redraw colonial-imposed borders that often disregarded ethnic, tribal, or cultural boundaries. This led to debates, conflicts and negotiations over territorial boundaries, sometimes resulting in the formation of new countries or adjustments to existing borders.
4. Struggles for Independence: Nationalist leaders and movements engaged in struggles, both peaceful and violent, to achieve independence from colonial powers. Movements like the Pan-African movement in Africa and Arab nationalism in the Middle East sought to unify people under shared cultural, ethnic or religious identities.
5. Challenges of Diversity: Nationalism sometimes exacerbated existing ethnic, religious, or tribal tensions within newly formed nations. The diverse populations within these countries faced challenges in forging unified national identities and overcoming internal divisions.
6. Impact of Mandates and Protectorates: Despite nationalist aspirations for independence, the post-WWI era also saw the imposition of mandates and protectorates by colonial powers, which continued to influence and control certain territories in Africa and the Middle East.

Overall, nationalism in Africa and the Middle East following World War I spurred movements for self-determination, independence, and the creation of new nation-states, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of both regions. However, it also brought challenges related to defining national identities, borders, and managing diversity within newly formed countries.