African Independence

Why after so many years of control do the European powers pull out of Africa?

What We Need to Know….

Imperialsim

5. Analyze the perspectives of the colinizers and the colonized concerning:

a. Indigenous language;

b. Natural Resources

c. Labor

d. Political systems

e. Religion

13. Examine social, economic and political struggles resulting from colonialism and imperialism including:

a. Independence movements in Africa.

What we’ve learned so far…. Imperialism:_______________________

_______________________________________________________________

Colonizers were the _______________ Colonized were the ________________ Assimilation______________________ Traditional Economy_______________

WWI and WWII

Changed the dynamic between Africa and European powers.– Industry

• Shipping raw materials between Africa and Europe was difficult in both wars. As a result, Europeans begin to manufacture goods in Africa

– Africans get experience in higher levels of production.

– Industries begin to develop IN Africa

WWI and WWII (CONT)

Europe could not focus on controlling Africa– European powers had to move military and

governmental forces that were ruling African Colonies to the war.

– As a result, the Africans experienced more freedom and had more control over the local government.

WWI and WWII Cont African’s fought WITH the Europeans

on both sides in WWI and WWII.– Created a greater sense of equality on the

part of the Africans– Resulted in a new sense of entitlement on

the part of the Africans. (If you are good enough to be shot along side the British, then why can’t you vote along side the British?)

WWII; “To make the world safe for democracy?”

The Allied powers said they were fighting to “make the world safe for democracy”.– The hypocrisy of being a colonial power post

WWII became obvious.– Public support for the colonization decreases

dramatically after WWII – conquering other parts of the world is a very unpopular idea.

Changing World Order

The major colonial powers before WWI and WWII (Great Britain, France, Germany (WWI) were no longer the world powers.– These countries no longer have the

resources to keep up the colonies.– US and USSR emerge as superpowers,

but they have no colonial holdings in Africa.

How did African countries achieve independence?

No one method of independence– Africa is many different countries, each country has

it’s own unique history

Two general rules of thumb– Where there was a small white population,

independence was more peaceful.– Where there was a significant white settlement,

independence tended to be more difficult• White settlers were reluctant to give up control and

depended on the support of the colonial government.