Africa Under Colonial Rule

Modern Africa Learning Target 4-2. I can explain how colonialism has had a lasting impact on the economies and environment.

Africa Under Colonial Rule

Global Colonialism After WWII Europe began to be pressured to end colonialism U.N. supported self autonomy for colonized nations By late 1950s and 1960s most nations had independence

Years of Independence

Reality of Independence Most new leaders were from urban middle class and educated in the European fashion Big dreams for independence were hit with harsh reality Economic problems - most countries relied on single export to foreign nation – as prices dropped so did economy Spent scarce resources on military equipment or luxury Population growth reached 3% a year Drought = hunger and starvation Urban population grew rapidly services could not keep up

AIDS According to UNAIDS, the United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS, 43 million Africans have become infected with HIV since 1980s 23 million Africans are living with HIV/AIDS 2/3 of all global Highest incidence rates of HIV have been reported in 21 African countries Zimbabwe and Botswana, one in four adults is infected with HIV

Political Challenges Thought independence would bring democracies Most new government failed over 70 leaders were violently overthrown By 1980 many major states ruled by single party or dictator Political instability still plagues many countries

Pan-Africa Unity of all native Africans Liberation of Africans The "red" stands for the blood that unites all people of African ancestry "black" represents the color of the skin of the people of Africa "green" stands for the rich land of Africa.

Political Borders

Ivory Coast

Food for Thought… Do the wealthy or developed nations have an obligation to help the poor or underdeveloped? Do European countries with roots in Africa have an obligation to assist with current issues?