US policy-planners had underestimated the power of nationalism in Vietnam. The nationalism moved people to action; inspired them to sacrifice their home and family, live under horrific conditions, and fight for independence. They underestimated the power of a small country to fight the most technologically advanced country in the world. They also underestimated the commitment of the lakhs of poor peasants who had recently received their piece of land after generations of exploitation by landlords. These peasants were inspired by nationalism and land reforms. They played the most crucial role in defeating the most powerful army in the world.

    The effect of the war was felt within the US as well. Many people criticized the government for getting involved in a war that was hard to defend. When the youth were selected for the war, the anger spread. The continuation of the war created strong reactions even within the US. Many people questioned the government policy and this helped to negotiate an end to the war. A peace settlement was signed in Paris in January 1974. This ended the conflict with the US but fighting between the Saigon regime and the NLF continued. The NLF occupied the presidential palace in Saigon on 30 April 1975 and finally unified Vietnam.

    We now turn to colonialism and nationalism in Africa and study Nigeria on the west coast. Locate this country on a map. Recall what you had read about this country in class VII.

    The idea of nation states was new to the countries of Africa like the rest of the world. The people in Africa were united together through their tribal identity. The western colonisers randomly brought together certain areas under their control. The country we know as Nigeria today was actually created by the British by bringing together different regions around the Niger river system where people of