Independence Movements in Africa

Overview

• Many African countries were colonized by European nations such as France, Britain, Portugal, and Belgium.
• Colonialism: A system where a country occupies another, controls it politically, and exploits it economically.
• Independence: The freedom from being ruled by another country.

Factors Leading to Independence Movements

• Access to Western Education: Exposed Africans to new ideas and equipped them to challenge colonial rule.
• World War II: Weakened European powers and inspired African leaders.
• Pan-African Movements: Aimed at uniting Africans and promoting independence.

Key Figures and Movements

Nigeria

• Nationalists: Played crucial roles in the push for independence.
• Prominent Leader: Enam Zik Ando.
• Media Influence: Newspapers were tools for advocating independence.
• Political Parties:
  • Action Group (AG): Mainly supported by the Yoruba.
  • National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC): Supported by the Igbo.

Ghana

• Tensions in British West African Colonies: Particularly significant in the Gold Coast (now Ghana).
• Kwame Nkrumah: A nationalist who studied abroad and led protests and riots in Ghana's independence movement.

Post-Independence Developments

• Need for a New Constitution: African countries needed new constitutions post-independence.
• Purpose:
  • Establish rules and principles for governance.
  • Define how powers are distributed and exercised.

Conclusion

• Independence movements across Africa were driven by nationalists influenced by education, global events, and pan-African ideals.
• Further discussions will cover the post-independence constitutions, particularly in Nigeria.

Note

• This lesson is a precursor to future discussions on post-independence governance in Africa.