End of Imperialism in Africa

Why did it end? The people of Africa: Resented European presence in their land Resented the inequities of colonialism

WWI/ WWII The wars: Proved that Europeans can be beaten Increased resistance in parts of Africa Drained European power and will to control colonies

1950’s & 1960’s Europe leaves many African nations to become independent By 1970s most African nations were free of the European powers and were independent nations

Challenges for the new nations Who is in charge? Tribal/ ethnic rivalries What type of government? Authoritarian? Democracy? Communism?

Legacy of Colonialism Social and Cultural Disruption Europeans encouraged Africans to change their culture

Legacy of Colonialism Underdeveloped Human Potential  Most Africans used as labor  No African leadership encouraged  Little wealth in African hands

Legacy of Colonialism 3. Weak Infrastructure & Exploited Resources Europeans built infrastructure: Roads, hospitals, bridges, etc Built to increase profit (not to benefit the people) Much of the continent left with little infrastructure

Legacy of Colonialism Destroyed Trade  Before Colonialism: - most trade was within Africa - External trade was with the Middle East  Colonialism destroyed those patterns & contacts - Therefore, they were still dependent on Europe for trade

Legacy of Conquest Colonial Boundaries  1885: Partition of Africa - 14 European nations meet to divide Africa - Ethnic groups divided - rival ethnic groups within same nation - this encouraged war after independence

Legacy of Colonialism Colonial Governments were a poor role model  Democracy discouraged  Power through violence  Corruption