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 selfdetermination changed life in
Africa?
The Colonies
Become New
Nations: Africa
How did former European colonies gain independence, and
what challenges did they face after independence?
Common Themes In New
Nations
1.
2.
3.
Borders drawn by European colonial
powers left nations with diverse religions
and ethnic groups.
Ethnic and religious diversity has brought
conflict.
Military coups, one-party systems, and
dictatorships kept some countries from
achieving democracy.
Common Themes In New
Nations (cont.)
4.
5.
6.
Citizens and foreign lenders have forced
former dictatorships to hold elections and
transition to democracy.
Natural resources such as oil have been a
source of wealth for some nations but have
fueled conflicts in others.
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 marshalls
Mau 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 constitution
Mobutu'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