Chapter 4: Nationalism and Independence i. ii. iii. iv. v. Introduction a. The nationalists comprised of the western educated Africans, the few rich African businessmen, and World War I and World War II veterans Reasons for the Rise of Nationalism a. During the decades of the 1920s and 1930s, more Africans encountered the rest of the world which exposed them to and increased their knowledge of government, politics, economics, and other cultural and social systems b. In the Islamic States of North Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, colonialism was perceived by Muslims as a Christian strategy to takeover Islam in those countries c. The Great Depression of the 1930s resulted in Europe being unable to provide for its industrial needs and food for its people d. The first and Second World Wars had a great impact on the rise of African nationalism, as Africans became heavily involved in wars that hardly concerned them, by fighting for their colonial rulers who had promised them good jobs, promotions, salary increase, and independence The New Nationalism: Post-1945 a. The mass exodus to the urban centers led to the creation of urban slums and increased poverty among the people b. The new political parties that emerged sought full social status for Africans as well as political enfranchisement and ultimately political power Independence: 1950-70 a. France instituted the framework law that only allowed internal self-rule to the colonies meaning that France continued to have overall power and the exercise of policy and economic influence over the colonies b. The struggle for independence from European colonial rule, which began in the late nineteenth century, this came to an end towards the very end of the Twentieth century Reasons for Decolonization a. The post-World War II era had completely reversed the reasons behind the colonization efforts, since the colonial territory was no longer an important aspect of European rivalry b. The philosophy behind colonization had also shifted away from racism and cultural superiority of the late nineteenth century to the now more important fight against the spread of communism from the Soviet Union c. It had become apparent that World War II had not only depicted the military might and numbers of Western European nations, it had also adversely affected their economies d. The formation of the United Nations rendered colonization immoral and a violation of the rights and sovereignty of African states e. The newly emerging trade unions organized worker strikes against unfair wages between African and European expatriate workers f. The post war spirit of freedom had inspired most Africans to break away from the colonial orthodox Christian churches, and to establish their own independent African churches employing the same Christian principles vi. vii. g. A great deal of pressure was also brought to bear on the decolonization process by the various traditional women’s organizations h. Ethnicity also played a significant role in the decolonization process The Transfer of Power a. The ensuing chaos and disorder were due to the efforts to retain as much political and economic control as possible b. The new government retained the various colonial legacies, including the institution of democratic election processes, the establishment of political parties, the institution of separate judiciaries, and the protection of citizens’ rights Prevailing Problems at Independence a. The problems faced when it came to independence such as issues of what to do next after independence, how to govern and based upon what political, how to reconcile national unity and ethnic loyalties, how to develop the national economy b. African politics became a venture for personal power