Explain how Nationalism Led to the Independence of South Africa, Nigeria and KenyaSS7H1B
South Africa
South Africa was originally settled by the Dutch in 1600s. The British moved into South Africa in the 1800s. There
were several wars between the Dutch and British for control of this colony. These were known as the Boer Wars. In
the end, Britain took control of the colony. In 1910, South Africa became the British colony known as the Union of
South Africa. There was a great deal of conflict between the Black and White South Africans. To promote
representation in 1912 the Black South Africans formed the African National Congress to protect the rights of the
“colored population”. Many Black Africans were overwhelmed with a feeling of NATIONALISM-pride in one’s country
and the desire for independence. In South Africa the Nationalists wanted INDEPENDANCE –when a country gains the
right to rule themselves without the interference of a foreign nation. South Africa was plagued by racism-the
unfounded belief that some races are better than others.
In 1948 the government passed the Apartheid laws causing more segregation of the people officially with government
approval. Whites use all public buildings, services and businesses, while non-whites were not allowed to use the
same locations. Non-whites were forced to live in substandard housing outside the cities, attend poor school and
have little access to medical and educational services. The non-whites were required to carry identification papers at
all times when in White areas.
In 1961 the White majority established a government independent from the British. They called themselves a republic
in an effort to maintain Apartheid laws. The British government condemned this practice and was more than willing
to give the colony its freedom. The United Nations began sanctions and embargos against South Africa as the world
frowned on this practice.
The Nationalist Movement did not achieve their goal of independence until they defeated Apartheid in 1994.
Kenya
In 1910 Kenya became a British colony as part of the British Eastern African Protectorate. Black Kenya natives were
refused representation and not allowed to vote or have any citizen rights. In 1944 they were given some basic rights,
but not the right to vote. This led to a violent period in Kenya from 1950 until 1957 civil war killed thousands. This was
known as the Mau Mau Revolt or uprising. Many believe that this fight helped Kenya receive their independence, but
most know that this delayed their independence as the British felt that they could not hand the country over to the
rebels during such a war. Kenya received their independence in 1963.
Nigeria
The first Europeans to come in contact with the people of Nigeria were the Portuguese, who developed a flourishing
trade with Benin in the 15th century. The British began to trade in Nigeria in the mid-16th century. From the 17th
through the early 19th century, Nigerian slave traders along the coast provided hundreds of thousands of slaves for
the American colonies.
Europeans knew little of the interior until after 1800, when the British became active in exploration. Private
commercial companies entered the region to carry on trade. In 1861, Lagos was made Great Britain's first Nigerian
colony. The British gradually extended their control over the surrounding area and consolidated it into the Colony and
Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. Once Nigeria became a colony and borders were created new issues arose. Several
ethnic groups the Igbo, the Yoruba and the Hausa were suddenly living within the same borders. There were long
standing religious and cultural differences that made this difficult. This was disastrous as the new boundary lines
forced rival ethnic groups to live together. In 1960 Great Britain granted Nigeria independence. The nation became a
republic in 1963.
From the time Nigeria received independence, ethnic and religious differences threatened to split the country.
Friction between the Ibos in the east and the politically dominant Hausas in the north increased after the national
elections of 1964. Since this time the government has undergone many changes and seen much government
corruption. Today the nation is working to create a republic that provides for their population.
How did Nationalism Led to Independence????
Use the chart to list issues that led to independence
Common Issues
South Africa
Kenya
Nigeria