How did non-Western nationalist leaders in the 19th and 20th centuries respond to Western imperial pressure, and to what extent were they able to embrace parts of Western culture while preserving their own national identity?

How did non-Western nationalist leaders in the 19th and 20th centuries respond to Western imperial pressure, and to what extent were they able to embrace parts of Western culture while preserving their own national identity?

You’re looking at leaders like:

• Fukuzawa Yukichi (Japan) – wanted modernization, ditched “Asia”
• Rammohun Roy (India) – supported Western education but not domination
• Gandhi – rejected Western materialism, wanted spiritual self-rule
• Nehru – admired science/tech from the West, still rooted in Indian nationalism
• Atatürk – aggressively Westernized Turkey, but under national pride
• Hassan al-Banna – criticized Western materialism, defended Islamic identity

So your paper will explore:

• How each responded to Westernization
• What they accepted or rejected
• Whether it’s possible to blend the two without losing cultural identity

📌 Paper Structure

1. Intro Paragraph
   • Present the topic/question
   • State a clear thesis (your main argument)
2. Body Paragraphs
   • Analyze (not summarize) the assigned readings
   • Use specific examples
   • Provide in-text citations (e.g., Curtin, 105)
3. Conclusion
   • Restate and clinch your thesis
4. Title
   • Should be original and specific