22 Nationalism and the Independence of Colonial Africa
John Chilembwe and the Nyasaland Rebellion
In 1915, John Chilembwe led an insurrection against British rule in Nyasaland (Malawi).
Initially believed in the benefits of colonial rule but became critical of the treatment of African laborers.
Published grievances in 1914, leading to an uprising in 1915 for an independent African state.
The rebellion was quickly suppressed, but it marked a significant moment in African nationalism.
Impact of the First World War on African Colonies
Colonial powers involved African territories in the European conflict.
Demands for raw materials and labor increased, causing famine and unrest.
The war undermined European colonial authority as Africans witnessed European vulnerability.
Post-war, African soldiers returned with altered perceptions of colonial rule.
Shift in International Order
German colonies in Africa were redistributed post-WWI to French, Belgian, and British control.
The League of Nations granted oversight, aiming for eventual independence.
Emergence of the US and Soviet Union opposing European imperialism, but with limited immediate impact.
European intellectuals began questioning imperialism post-WWI.
Rise of African Nationalism
Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois were influential voices advocating for African liberation.
Pan-Africanism emerged as a political doctrine, seeking unity among former colonies.
The Great Depression amplified economic woes, spurring protests and demands for reform.
World War II and Its Aftermath
African colonies were crucial to the Allied war effort, reviving economies.
Post-war, African soldiers and laborers expected political and economic reforms.
France and Britain began instituting minor reforms, leading to political agitation.
Path to Independence
Independence movements gained momentum post-WWII.
The Pan-African Conference in 1945 called for complete independence.
Leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Nnamdi Azikiwe became prominent figures in the struggle for independence.
Ethnic parties emerged, complicating the political landscape.
Decolonization Efforts and Challenges
Post-war decolonization varied by region, with some transitions peaceful and others violent.
The Belgian Congo experienced chaos due to lack of preparation for self-governance.
The Portuguese colonies engaged in guerrilla warfare, influenced by Cold War dynamics.
Conclusion
The rapid decolonization in the 1960s was driven by internal and external pressures.
African leaders faced the challenge of creating unified nations amidst ethnic and regional divisions.
Further Reading
"The Decolonization of Africa" by David Birmingham
"Decolonization and African Society" by Frederick Cooper
"The Black Man’s Burden" by Basil Davidson
"Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, 1880-1985" by Patrick Manning
"Independent African: John Chilembwe and the Origins, Setting and Significance of the Nyasaland Native Rising of 1915" by George Shepperson and Thomas Price.