Decolonization and African Nationalism

Decolonization and African Independence

• Africa experienced decolonization from the mid-1950s to 1975
• The "Scramble for Africa" was a significant period of European imperialism in Africa
• France had the largest holdings in Africa among colonial powers

Exception to Colonization

• Ethiopia was the only pre-colonial state in Africa to retain its sovereignty

Rebellions and Occupations

• The Mau Mau Rebellion took place in British Kenya during decolonization
• Italy occupied Ethiopia in 1936
• The Zanzibar Revolution occurred during decolonization in Zanzibar

Inspirations for Self-Determination

• The Atlantic Charter inspired hope in British colonies for self-determination
• The Atlantic Charter led to the United Nations 1941 Declaration, stating that all peoples have the right to choose their form of government

Results of the Atlantic Charter

• The Atlantic Charter paved the way for the independence of African countries
• The United Nations 1960 Declaration stated that the subjugation of peoples to foreign domination is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations

Causes of Decolonization

• A major internal cause of decolonization was the recognition of the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Some Britons considered African colonies to be a financial burden after World War II

African Nationalism

• African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah came to lead the struggles for African nationalism
• The theory of neocolonialism suggests that most African economies continued to occupy a subordinate position in the world economy after independence

Colonial Legacy

• The main purpose of the infrastructure built by colonial powers in Africa was to facilitate the exploitation of resources
• The economic outcome of colonialism in Africa is disputed
• Colonial language policies led to a loss of linguistic diversity in Africa
• Colonial legislation was repealed in African countries after independence

Urbanization and Industrialization

• The growth of urban communities, industries, and trade unions in Africa during the early 20th century was led by the colonial powers

Ghana's Independence

• Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from European colonization
• The 1945 Pan-African Congress, affirming the right of African peoples to independence, self-government, and self-determination

Historical Figures and Events

• The meeting between Roosevelt and Churchill in August 1941 discussed their post-war goals
• The American policy towards Africa was characterized by a gradualist approach, according to historian James Meriweather