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The Decolonization of Africa

Ch. 35, Sec. 2 (pp. 1040 – 1045). The Decolonization of Africa. Background Information. In the late 1950s, many African nations gained their independence from their European colonizers These nations faced many challenges: Creating stable governments Resolving ethnic disputes

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The Decolonization of Africa

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  1. Ch. 35, Sec. 2 (pp. 1040 – 1045) The Decolonization of Africa

  2. Background Information • In the late 1950s, many African nations gained their independence from their European colonizers • These nations faced many challenges: • Creating stable governments • Resolving ethnic disputes • Preventing civil war • Industrializing

  3. European Policies Cause Problems • When Europeans colonized Africa, they ignored ethnic/cultural divisions • Thus, it became difficult to create national identities when nations became free • Europeans had also used Africa for its natural resources • This left African nations dependent on European manufactured goods

  4. European Policies Cause Problems • Europeans also disrupted African family & community life • Independent nations had a difficult time building infrastructure (schools, hospitals, creating jobs) to support themselves

  5. South Africa Under Apartheid • In South Africa, racial conflict was a result of colonial rule • In 1931, South Africa gained its independence, but life remained unbalanced for its citizens • Whites controlled the government • The black majority were denied many rights

  6. South Africa Under Apartheid • 1948, White government officials instituted apartheid • Complete separation of races • Established black schools, hospitals, etc. • 1959, Blacks were forced to move to reservations • Homelands

  7. South Africa Under Apartheid • In reaction to their oppression, blacks in South Africa formed the African National Congress (ANC) to fight for their rights • Organized strikes and protests • Some members led organized armed struggles • Ex. Nelson Mandela (sent to prison in the 1960s)

  8. South Africa’s Struggle for Democracy • 1980s, Africans continued to push for equability in South Africa • 1989, new white president (F. W. de Klerk) supported the ANC & released Mandela from jail • Later helped to repeal apartheid (segregation) laws • Allowed for universal elections (blacks could run for government offices)

  9. South Africa’s Struggle for Democracy • 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first black president • Helped pass a new constitution that provided equal rights for all citizens

  10. South Africa’s Struggle for Democracy • South Africa still faces many problems today • High crime rates • Economic dependency on foreign nations • AIDS epidemics

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