African Independence

The end of European influence?

_{Africans begin to demand independence}

African Nationalism develops: new identities are born beyond former local ones

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Africans educated in Europe begin to demand same rights as Europeans

World War II weakens Europe

Despite calls for independence, little changes until World War II

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World war II weakened Europeans and increased demands for independence, at times by Africans who fought in the war.

Countries start becoming independent in the 1950s

Most nations became independent peacefully. Usually this involved protests, boycotts and strikes: Example Ghana

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In some cases however, long civil wars preceded independence. France in Algeria and Britain in Kenya for example

Generally, the more European settlers who lived in a colony, the more likely it was to take violence.

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Illogical borders

Created ethnic violence

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Made countries difficult to govern

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Lack of national unity

Economic Dependence

Economies still based mostly on cash crops or resource extractions. Must sell to others.

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Manufactured goods still imported

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Gave former colonizers big economic role

Weak governments

No Democratic tradition

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Weak and ineffective leadership

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Corruption