1. Africa: Lasting Effects of Colonization
Independence and its Challenges
Decolonization of Africa

2. Scramble for Africa: 19th century Imperialism

3. Effects of Colonization:
European goal of colonization was profit
Effects of Colonization:
Very few industries were established keeping Africa undeveloped
Ripped apart unified regions and threw together ethnic groups with little in common
African people were powerless in their own countries
Robbed Africa of its resources
Disrupted the social structure (the way a society is organized)

4. Pan-Africanism Pan-Africanism World Wars
The idea that people of African descent should work together for their freedom.
Stressed unity and cooperation among all Africans
World Wars
In both World War I and WWII, Africans fought for European powers.
Ex-soldiers wanted self-rule.

5. Challenges of Independence: Political
Between 1951 & 1980 – most African colonies gained their freedom
African leaders spent years fighting towards freedom, but had NO experience governing (Europeans wouldn’t let them govern) resulting in unstable governments
Protests:
Strikes - stop working until demands are met
Boycotts - refuse to deal with or buy from
Civil Wars – fighting within a country
Genocide – systematic killing of a whole group of people
Corruption – governments involved in illegal, dishonest activities
In some countries, military took control by force (Coup d’etat)
These governments were not always fair, people had very few rights, and were jailed if protested
Most African countries are less than 60 years old (USA 238 yrs. old)
Decolonization Overview

6. Challenges of Independence: Economic Issues
During the Colonial Period, Europe saw Africa as source of raw materials
Result…
Very few industries established keeping Africa undeveloped
Economy based on agriculture

7. Challenges of Independence: Environmental Issues
Environmental Challenges
Because economy based on Agriculture, African countries faced several challenges
Desertification
Deserts are getting bigger by the day!!
Deforestation
Causes fertile soil to wash away
Makes even less good land for farming
Drought
Long Period of time with no rain
RESULT:
Famine – extreme scarcity of food

8. Challenges of Independence: Social Issues
Education
Children must help family by working
When kids go to school, family loses $$$
Low Literacy Rate
10% prior to independence
Today, after independence…
Most of the countries in Africa still have literacy rates under 75%

9. Challenges of Independence: Social Issues
Health
Low Life Expectancy
Disease
Insects spread
Unclean water
Poor living conditions
Viruses
AIDS- attacks healthy cells