Modern Africa (1945-present)

The End of Colonialism in Africa By the early 1900s, nationalism (pride & devotion to one’s country) had taken root in Africa. Nationalism grew out of European rule.

Africa: Post WW II As WW II ended, independence movements gained strength in Africa. The war weakened colonial powers such as England & France. The Soviet Union condemned imperialism & aided some nationalist movements. The U.S. spoke out against colonialism.

New Nations Emerge Slowly European nations saw that they must give up their colonial empires. In 1950, Africa had only 4 independent nations (Liberia, Ethiopia, Egypt & S. Africa). During the 50s & 60s, African demands for freedom led to the birth of many new nations.

Common Problems In the modern era, much of Africa has struggled with: 1.Poverty 2.AIDS 3.Other Quality of Life Concerns 4.War & Genocide

Poverty in Africa Poverty in Africa is substantially higher than in other developing regions. Many lack the income necessary to satisfy basic human needs (food, shelter, healthcare).

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome The AIDS epidemic has been wreaking havoc ever since the disease was first identified in At the start of 2001, an estimated 40 million people were sick with AIDS or infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

A.I.D.S. in Africa 70% of its victims live in sub-Sahara Africa. Africa’s higher rates are attributable to social norms, poverty & political indifference. HIV/AIDS is a serious threat not just to physical health but also to economic health, exacerbating Africa’s struggle with poverty. P.B.S./Frontline: The Age of A.I.D.S. (13 min 29 sec)

Other Quality of Life Concerns Political corruption is common Africa has the world’s highest infant mortality rate… The lowest literacy rate Fewer than ½ of the people in sub-Sahara have basic health care. Nearly 2/3 lack safe drinking water Avg. life expectancy rates in yrs: Africa: 52 World: 63 U.S: 77

War & Genocide in Africa PBS/Frontline: Ambush in Mogadishu PBS/Frontline: “Ghosts of Rwanda”: part 3: Heroes & Bystanders (19 min.) PBS/Frontline: “Ghosts of Rwanda”: part 3: Heroes & BystandersPBS/Frontline: “Ghosts of Rwanda”: part 3: Heroes & Bystanders PBS/Frontline: “On Our Watch” (Darfur) 56 min. PBS/Frontline: “On Our Watch” (Darfur) Part 2: Darfur Becomes a Crisis Part 4: History Repeats Itself (the links between Somolia, Rwanda, Bosnia & Darfur)

Somalia: A Case Study in War Civil war erupted in Images of starving civilians prompted calls for intervention. In Dec. `92, Bush initiated “Operation Restore Hope” so that aid could be delivered. Somalis welcomed U.S. troops believing they would remain neutral. With stability restored, the U.N. took over the mission.

“Nation Building” in Somalia ( ) As the U.N. undertook efforts to rebuild Somalia, locals no longer so them as neutral. In Oct. `93 U.S. forces were sent to apprehend Aidid, responsible for the June `93 deaths of 24 peacekeepers. Outcome: 18 U.S. soldiers were killed Aidid eluded captivity U.S. forces were withdrawn The U.S. lost its appetite for intervention

Rwanda: A Case Study in Genocide… Between Rwanda was the scene of one of Africa’s most vicious civil wars. At least 500,000 people were killed as a result of fighting between 2 rival ethnic groups, Tutsis & Hutus. The killing occurred on such a large scale that it was referred to as genocide. Genocide is the deliberate, systematic killing of a group of people because of their race, religion or ethnicity.

…and Inaction Still stinging from the intervention in Somalia, the U.S. chose to leave this mess to the U.N. The U.N. Security Council dithered over sending troops, while the bloodshed continued. Had the civilized world abandoned its pledge made at the end of WW 2 to never again stand by while genocide occurred?

S. Africa: A Case Study in Social Inequality In 1910, Britain granted S. Africa limited self-rule. Until 1994, a small white minority (16% of popu.) governed the nation. The majority of S. Africa’s population (70%) are black.

Origins of Apartheid S. Africa’s government established a rigid separation of the races called apartheid. Under Apartheid, non-whites: Couldn’t vote Were restricted as to where they could live, work, dine, attend schools, etc. Were required to carry passbooks In sum, apartheid enforced a system of social inequality

Steps Toward Change Anti-apartheid leaders encouraged non-violent civil disobedience at home & encouraged other nations to pressure their govt. to change. During the 80s, many nations & organizations imposed economic sanctions, arms embargos & barred S. African athletes from Olympic competition, hoping to force a change.

An End to Apartheid By the mid-80s, historic changes were underway: `89: Pres. De Klerk lifts the 39 yr. old ban on the ANC & other opposition groups `90: N. Mandela, a leading ANC figure sentenced to life in `64, is released Early 90s: A new constitution is written, guaranteeing blacks basic rights `94: Blacks vote for the 1 st time. Mandela is elected Pres.