Decolonization & Nationalism in Africa

Road towards independence Post-WWII - a focus on self-determination in Europe Colonialism seemed to contradict the spirit of the Allies fight against Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy Over 200,000 Africans had fought in Europe and Asia for the Allies’ freedom and democracy – most noticed the contradiction Many Africans returned home to find they had only fought for the European’s

Road towards Independence Most Europeans planned a “long transition” period to independence By mid-1950’s pace increased 1960 considered the year of Africa with so many nations gaining independence

End of an Empire? “The wind of change is blowing through this continent, and whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must all accept it, and our national policies must take account of it.” - British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in 1960 to the South African Parliament What is the significance of this statement to the British Empire?

Independence Three major routes: Peaceful / Negotiated independence Typically achieved in non-settler colonies, ex = Ghana Violent Typically occurred in settler colonies, ex = Kenya, Algeria Incomplete White settler minority population given political power in decolonization, ex = S. Africa

Tropical Dependencies Non-Settler Africa Tropical Dependencies

Non-Settler Colonies Non-settler colonies moved more quickly towards independence – Why? Gandhi and India became a model for much of Africa

Ghana & Nkrumah’s Vision 1st black African majority to gain independence in 1957 Nkrumah’s Goals: Unify Africa politically and economically (Pan-Africanism) Harness vast natural resources Reduce Western influence Positive economic influence

Settler Africa

Settler Colonies Different obstacles met by settler vs. non-settler colonies – What might they be? What is the difference? Settlers pushed colonial govts to defeat nationalist uprisings Algeria (one million) Kenya (40,000)

What is the cartoon trying to say? What perspective is it conveying?

Kenya A Mau Mau oathing ceremony. Essentially, the Mau Mau oath was a declaration that they wanted to rid themselves of the English in Kenya. They wanted their land back. The British portrayed this oathing as one of the most terrible things around and put over 80,000 into detention camps and killed over 13,000. White settlers help drive the policy.

"We refused to do this work. We were fighting for our freedom "We refused to do this work. We were fighting for our freedom. We were not slaves. ... There were two hundred guards. One hundred seventy stood around us with machine guns. Thirty guards were inside the trench with us. The white man in charge blew his whistle and the guards started beating us. They beat us from 8 am to 11.30. They were beating us like dogs. I was covered by other bodies - just my arms and legs were exposed. I was very lucky to survive. But the others were still being beaten. There was no escape for them.” Rounding up Mau Mau “rebels” - and a “protected” settlement.

Settler Colonies Both Kenya and Algeria uprisings would be eventually smashed Weariness and new anti-colonial sentiments lead to independence anyway Most French Algerians leave, most British Kenyans stay

South Africa apartheid

1899

Garrison State: South Africa 1910: Union of S. Africa 1948: Afrikaner government begins apartheid policies to institutionalize white supremacy Separate, unequal facilities Pass laws require pass books for blacks Blacks resettled into infertile, resource depleted homelands to ensure segregation & “protect” African culture 1961: Full independence

1970

Garrison State: South Africa Nelson Mandela 1960-1990: Resistance & gov response intensifies Resistance led by African National Congress & outspoken leaders like Nelson Mandela & Steve Biko Gov response was brutal & exploited ethnic division even in face of nonviolent protest Sharpesville Massacre sparks new violent response from ANC Led to Mandela receiving prison sentence for life

Garrison State: South Africa F. W. de Klerk Garrison State: South Africa Nelson Mandela International community added pressure to force change in S. African policies Economic sanctions eventually pressure F.W. de Klerk to make changes 1990: Mandela released from prison 1994: End of apartheid & election of Mandela

1990

1994

1994

Results of Decolonization

External Challenges Western investments remain Impact? Economic dependence on former colonial powers Cold War (USSR v. US) struggle to spread influence

Internal Challenges Tribal allegiances Illiteracy / under developed education system No tradition of ongoing political leadership in modern times Religious differences Diverse geography and climate Established social hierarchies

Results of Decolonization Nationalist parties & African elites gain power Use anti-colonial legacy to maintain power & cloud ineptitude & favoritism Economic dependence on West coupled with political corruption cripples attempts to diversify economy Stuck in cash crop ag & extraction of resources The same pattern being a dependence on a cash crop or western control of the extraction of a resource (gold, diamonds, etc.)

Results of Decolonization Initial political parties reflected ethnic, regional, or religious groups - few true national parties Power often gained by corrupt African “strongmen” (dictators) who ignored the social needs of people Large loans to modernize economies squandered by those in power - leave little progress, lots of debt The same pattern being a dependence on a cash crop or western control of the extraction of a resource (gold, diamonds, etc.)

Mobutu in Congo and his palaces