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Struggle for Independence

Africa after World War II. Struggle for Independence. Imperialism Review. During the late 19 th century , European countries scrabbled to colonize parts of Africa. In 1884-1885 European leaders met at the Berlin Conference to discuss how to divide Africa

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Struggle for Independence

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  1. Africa after World War II Struggle for Independence

  2. Imperialism Review • During the late 19th century, European countries scrabbled to colonize parts of Africa. • In 1884-1885 European leaders met at the Berlin Conference to discuss how to divide Africa • By 1905, all of Africa was claimed except for Liberia & Ethiopia

  3. Education of Africans • Education of Africans • From the early 1900’s, Colonial powers had cultivated a small group of elite Africanswho were sent to be educated in Western universities (US & Europe) • Here they met others of African descent. • They later became the leaders of independence movements in various African countries.

  4. Nationalism in Africa • Sense of Nationalism grew among these educated Africans • Began to dream of independence. • Believed they could govern themselves • Pan-Africanism • The idea that people of African descent should work together for their freedom • Stressed unity and cooperation among all Africans

  5. World War I & the Pan-African Congress • First Pan-African Conference was held July 23-25, 1900 I n England. • 37 delegates attended with 10 other participants & observers from Africa, the West Indies, the UK, and the US • Wanted to stop racism & govern their own countries • W.E.B. DuBois (of the US) played a leading role by drafting a letter to European leaders appealing to them to stop racism and grant colonies self-governmentand demanding political rights to African-Americans. • Throughout both World War I and World War II, Europeans maintained control of their African colonies which provided resources and men for these conflicts • World War I • African men fought for Allies, thousands died • Ex-soldiers wanted self-rule (independence) • 1919: 1st Pan-African Congress • Meeting to address issues facing Africa as a result of European colonization • Seen as a peace maker for decolonization in Africa • There were six more meetings: 1921, 1923, 1927, 1945, 1974, 1994

  6. World War II • Atlantic Charter (1941) – Created at a meeting between FDR & Churchill in 1941 that set out the goals of the post-war world. • FDR included a provision that would give autonomy (independence) to the imperial colonies. • Churchill misrepresented the intention of this provision & led Parliament to believe it only applied to German colonies. After the war, Europeans still saw themselves as “protectors” of colonial peoples.” • Africa plays huge role to help Allies • The war increased industrialization & urbanization in Africa • Supply Allies with natural resources & men • African soldiers fought and died to free Europe • Once freedom (in Europe) was gained and the war was over, African countries had their OWNfreedom in mind

  7. After the War • European powers were weakened by World War II • After the war, Africans believed they deserved freedom (independence from Europe) • In 1945 , the 5th Pan-African Congress was held in Manchester England • Considered the most important of the 5 Congresses • A number of resolutions were passed such as the criminalization of racial discrimination and a resolution that condemned imperialism and capitalism. • 90 delegates were sent, 26 from Africa • Scholars, intellectuals & political activists • W.E.B. DuBois attended at age 77 • Several of those who attended became future political leaders in Africa: • Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) • Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya)

  8. Challenges of Independence • Between 1951 & 1980 – most African colonies gained their freedom. • But the decolonization of Africa resulted in violent, inefficient & corrupt socialist dictatorships or right-wing family dictatorships which held little regard to international rule of law and human rights. • The Challenges of Independence • African leaders spent years fighting towards freedom, but had NO experience governing (Europeans wouldn’t let them govern) • The result of this inexperience was that the new governments were unstable • Civil Wars (fighting within a country) • Rebel forces using children in their military & selling diamonds to buy weapons • Riots (mob violence) • Genocide (systematic killing of a whole group of people) (15) • In some countries, military took control by force (Coup d’etat) • These governments not always fair, people had very few rights, and were jailed if protested • Most African countries are less then 50 years old (USA 237 yrs. old)

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