v. Decolonization of Africa
- Nationalist movements – Through the effects of westernization and opening up, colonies acquired enlightened leadership and many developed strong nationalist movements.
- Most colonies were extensive police states. Massive unrest made them simply unviable.
- Second World War
- A feeling of brotherhood was growing within the indigenous people of Africa. This meant a pooling of resources and external support in the struggle for independence. As more and more countries attained freedom, the entire process was hastened.
- The USA and USSR actively pressured colonial powers. Eg: President Truman of the US pressured the British government to make India independent.
S.N. |
Country |
Colonial power |
Year of Independence |
Remarks |
1. |
Libya |
Italy |
1951 |
– – |
2. |
Kenya |
Britain |
1952 |
Mau-Mau insurgency in Kenya begins |
3. |
Congo |
Belgium |
1960 |
– – |
4. |
Ghana |
Britain |
1957 |
Ghana is the first British colony to gain independence |
5. |
morocco |
France |
1956 |
– – |
6. |
Tunisia |
France |
1956 |
– – |
7. |
Algeria |
France |
1962 |
– – |
8. |
South Africa |
Britain |
1910 |
South Africa Act 1909 |
9. |
Kenya |
Britain |
1963 |
– – |
10. |
Malawi |
Britain |
1964 |
– – |
11. |
Zambia |
Britain |
1964 |
– – |
12. |
Tanzania |
Britain |
1961 |
– – |
13. |
Zimbabwe |
Britain |
1980 |
– – |
14. |
Angola |
Portugal |
1975 |
– – |
15. |
Mozambique |
Portugal |
1975 |
– – |
16. |
Egypt |
Britain |
1922 |
The Egyptian revolution of 1919 |
17. |
Libya |
Italy |
1951 |
Treaty of Peace with Italy, 1947 U.N. General Assembly Resolution 289 |
18. |
Ethiopia |
Italy |
1942 |
Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement (East African Campaign) |
19. |
Eritrea |
Italy |
1947 |
– – |
20. |
Botswana |
Britain |
1966 |
– – |
21. |
Congo |
Belgium |
1960 |
– – |