New Caledonia Voters Reject Independence from France
For the second time in two years, voters in the French territory of New Caledonia narrowly rejected a referendum election to become an independent sovereign country. While those who voted to remain part of France were victorious, it is clear those who support independence are getting stronger. There is a real possibility that the south Pacific archipelago could vote in a future referendum election for independence.
Instructors, click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
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Links
“New Caledonia referendum: South Pacific territory rejects independence from France”
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54410059
“New Caledonia rejects full independence from France again”
https://www.reuters.com/article/newcaledonia-independence-france-partial/new-caledonia-rejects-full-independence-from-france-again-idINKBN26P0EZ
“New Caledonia rejects independence, will stay part of France”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/4/new-caledonia-votes-to-stay-part-of-France
“New Caledonia says ‘non’ to independence from France”
https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/04/world/new-caledonia-independence-referendum-intl/index.html
“New Caledonians vote to remain part of France for 2nd time”
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/10/91116f5b699b-new-caledonians-vote-to-remain-part-of-france-for-2nd-time.html
“China’s shadow looms as New Caledonia decides whether to leave France”
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3103562/chinas-shadow-looms-new-caledonia-decides-whether-leave-france
“Is independence on the cards for New Caledonia?”
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/is-independence-on-the-cards-for-new-caledonia/
“New Caledonia rejects independence from France for second time”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/04/new-caledonia-rejects-independence-from-france-for-second-time
Assessment
- Writing: Describe why some voters in New Caledonia support independence, while others support the status quo to remain part of France.
- Debate: The merits of being an independent country outweigh those of remaining part of France.
- Poll: What should New Caledonia decide to do concerning its political status?
- Short Answer: What would be the ramifications if New Caledonia decided to become an independent sovereign country?
Current events quiz:
1) Which of the following referendum results concerning New Caledonia is accurate?
a. A majority of voters in 2018 voted for independence.
b. A majority of voters in 2018 voted against independence.
c. A majority of voters in 2020 voted for independence.
d. The percentage of people in favor of independence declined from 2018 to 2020.
2) Which of the following countries may attempt to exert influence in New Caledonia if it were to vote in favor of independence?
a. Russia
b. Japan
c. China
d. United States
3) All the following are true concerning China’s interest in the Pacific EXCEPT?
a. Access to natural resources
b. Securing votes on the United Nations General Assembly
c. To strengthen ties with the U.S.
d. The construction of military bases.
4) The percentage of people who voted “NO” on the issue of independence in New Caledonia declined from 2018 to 2020. (T/F)
5) Voter turnout in the 2020 New Caledonia referendum for independence was very low. (T/F)
6) New Caledonia became part of France as a result of World War II in the 20th century. (T/F)
Answers:
1) B
2) C
3) C
4) True
5) False
6) False
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