African Independence Why after so many years of control do the European powers pull out of Africa?

What We Need to Know…. Imperialsim 5. Analyze the perspectives of the colinizers and the colonized concerning: a. Indigenous language; b. Natural Resources c. Labor d. Political systems e. Religion 13. Examine social, economic and political struggles resulting from colonialism and imperialism including: a. Independence movements in Africa.

What we’ve learned so far…. Imperialism:_______________________ ________________________________ _______________________________ Colonizers were the _______________ Colonized were the ________________ Assimilation______________________ Traditional Economy_______________

WWI and WWII Changed the dynamic between Africa and European powers. –Industry Shipping raw materials between Africa and Europe was difficult in both wars. As a result, Europeans begin to manufacture goods in Africa –Africans get experience in higher levels of production. –Industries begin to develop IN Africa

WWI and WWII (CONT) Europe could not focus on controlling Africa –European powers had to move military and governmental forces that were ruling African Colonies to the war. –As a result, the Africans experienced more freedom and had more control over the local government.

WWI and WWII Cont African’s fought WITH the Europeans on both sides in WWI and WWII. –Created a greater sense of equality on the part of the Africans –Resulted in a new sense of entitlement on the part of the Africans. (If you are good enough to be shot along side the British, then why can’t you vote along side the British?)

WWII; “To make the world safe for democracy?” The Allied powers said they were fighting to “make the world safe for democracy”. –The hypocrisy of being a colonial power post WWII became obvious. –Public support for the colonization decreases dramatically after WWII – conquering other parts of the world is a very unpopular idea.

Changing World Order The major colonial powers before WWI and WWII (Great Britain, France, Germany (WWI) were no longer the world powers. –These countries no longer have the resources to keep up the colonies. –US and USSR emerge as superpowers, but they have no colonial holdings in Africa.

How did African countries achieve independence? No one method of independence –Africa is many different countries, each country has it’s own unique history Two general rules of thumb –Where there was a small white population, independence was more peaceful. –Where there was a significant white settlement, independence tended to be more difficult White settlers were reluctant to give up control and depended on the support of the colonial government.