De-Colonization of Africa

African Nation Building / Challenges

Political Challenges Most faced civil war, military rule, & dictatorships – Ethnic division – Dictatorships – Military Regimes – Demand for democracy

1. Ethnic Divisions Boundaries not based on ethnic groups Loyalty? – National gov. or ethnic group Leads to? – Conflict, civil war, possible genocide

2. Dictators Seize Power Purpose: – encourage unity took advantage of situation: – privileged few Eyadema Gnassigbe - Togo

3. Military Regimes Replace Dictators Purpose: – clean up the gov. – bring back civilian rule rarely happened Guinean Gen. Sekouba Konate

4. Demand for Democracy Pressure from the West How? – Stipulation to obtain loans and aide

Economic Challenges Many still depended on colonial powers Goal: – raise the standard of living Need: – Industries – Transportation – Development of resources – Increase in literacy – Solve rural poverty

1. Socialism Positives – Ended foreign influence – Narrowed gap b/w rich & poor Problems – Large bureaucracies ineffective

2. Capitalism Positives – More effective economy – More consumer choices Problems – Foreign investors – took profits out of the country

3.Faced a Lack of Prosperity Food Issues – Cash Crops: exports for $$ (cotton / coffee) Effect: – Food shortages (costly) – Single Crop / Single Resource Effect: – Mercy of market – Often times used by military regimes

Faced a Lack of Prosperity Cont. Increase in Population Weather (drought / too much rain) – Led to starvation Increase in diseases – AIDS = poverty

Social Challenges Cities / culture impacted by Western Civilization – direct products of colonial rule

1. Modernization High rise apartments Wide boulevards Neon lights

2. Urbanization Urban Issues – Jobs (low wages, long hours, bad conditions) – Overpopulation – Poor transportation – Increase in slums / crime – Increase in pollution – Decrease in sanitation / increase in disease

Urbanization Cont. Rural Issues – Colonial rulers had less impact – Lack modern amenities Plumbing & electricity – ¾’s population still live in rural areas – Traditional economies Farm, hunt, raise livestock / practice traditional beliefs Mud Hut