1. The Colonies Become New Nations: Africa
Essential Questions:
How did former European colonies gain independence, and what challenges did they face after independence?
- What challenges did new African nations face?
- How has political self-determination changed life in Africa?

2. How did former European colonies gain independence, and what challenges did they face after independence?

3. Common Themes In New Nations
Borders drawn by European colonial powers left nations with diverse religions and ethnic groups.
Ethnic and religious diversity has brought conflict.
Military coups, one-party systems, and dictatorships kept some countries from achieving democracy.

4. Common Themes In New Nations (cont.)
Citizens and foreign lenders have forced former dictatorships to hold elections and transition to democracy.
Natural resources such as oil have been a source of wealth for some nations but have fueled conflicts in others.
During the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union competed for influence, particularly in regions with natural resources such as oil, or locations near strategic waterways.

7. These are just some of Africa’s major languages

8. Each splash of color is a separate ethnic group with their own languages and traditions…

9. Why do you think there are so many conflicts in these areas?

10. These are the same conflicts when shown on modern national boundaries

11. Should this be how Africa looks?...

12. Growing Unrest
Negritude movement – pre-World War II celebration of African culture
War effort emboldens Africans; Europeans question colonial policy too
Colonies take different paths to freedom; some peaceful, some violent
Many African colonies become new nations in years after World War II
Most new African nations struggle to become stable and strong

14. The First Independent Nation
British colony, Gold Coast, is first to gain independence in 1957
Kwame Nkrumah – leader ousts Britain from Gold Coast
Nkrumah serves as first president, attempts to modernize country
His policies hurt; he is eventually ousted from power
Army begins long rule in 1966; first free elections held in 2000

15. Kwame Nkrumah Speaks!

16. Kenya Claims Independence
Jomo Kenyatta – leader of Kenyan independence movement
Mau Mau – secret society of Kenyans who fight against British rule
Kenya wins independence in 1963; Kenyatta becomes president
Daniel arap Moi follows Kenyatta, ruling harshly, corruptly
Moi resigns in 2002; new party gains power through free elections

17. Musa Mwariama & Dedan Kimathi
Mau Mau
field marshalls
Musa Mwariama & Dedan Kimathi
Mau Mau in Kenya

18. Jomo
Kenyatta

19. Daniel arap Moi
Arap Moi celebrates NRM's 24 year rule

20. Algeria Struggles With Independence
Algeria wins independence from France in 1962 after armed struggle
Ahmed Ben Bella – first leader of Algeria, overthrown in 1965
Nation faces many problems; causes dissatisfaction among citizens
Spurs rise of Islamic fundamentalists; group wins election in 1991
Government does not cede power, prompts continual civil war

21. Freedom And Turmoil For Congo
Congo wins independence from Belgium in 1960
Army leader Mobutu Sese Seko rules from 1965 to 1997
Rule is repressive and corrupt; overthrown by rebel forces
Rebel leader takes control; rival groups continue to fight for power
In 2006, Joseph Kabila elected president under a new constitution
Mobutu's Rise and Fall to Touch It

22. War Tears At Angola
Angolans fight for and win independence from Portugal in 1975
Two rival groups battle for power; civil war finally ends in 2002