Pick any two nations that you learned about in this lesson. In 100 to 150 words, assess whether or not each of these nations has been successful in the years since achieving independence. Consider both short-term and long-term effects of attaining independence when making your assessment. Think about what you’ve learned in this lesson and do some additional Internet research if needed.

The answer is:
Modern India has been fairly successful since attaining independence from Britain. Political stability and strong leadership in the years following independence allowed India to progress socially and economically. State support to farmers and the use of advanced technologies led to self-sufficiency in food production. Industrialization and infrastructural development made India one of the leading steel producers in the world. Social problems such as gender inequality, illiteracy, and caste discrimination have also subsided to a great extent.

Pakistan’s independence established a homeland for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. However, the nation could not provide safety and stability to its people. Political stability eluded the nation as the government was taken over by military leaders. Adopting an Islamic rather than secular identity allowed fundamentalism to take root. Further, the nation has been accused of supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan, who are connected to the international terrorist group al-Qaeda.