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?

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

Common Themes In New Nations1. Borders drawn by European colonial

powers left nations with diverse religions and ethnic groups.

2. Ethnic and religious diversity has brought conflict.

3. Military coups, one-party systems, and dictatorships kept some countries from achieving democracy.

Common Themes In New Nations (cont.)4. Citizens and foreign lenders have forced former

dictatorships to hold elections and transition to democracy.

5. Natural resources such as oil have been a source of wealth for some nations but have fueled conflicts in others.

6. 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.

These are just some of Africa’s major languages

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

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

These are the same conflicts when shown on modern national boundaries

Should this be how Africa looks?...

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

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

Kwame Nkrumah Speaks!

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

Musa Mwariama & Dedan Kimathi

Mau Mau field

marshallsMau Mau in Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta

Daniel arap Moi

Arap Moi celebrates NRM's 24 year rule

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

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 constitutionMobutu's Rise and Fall to Touch It

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