Independence and its Challenges

Africa: Lasting Effects of Colonization

Decolonization of Africa

Scramble for Africa: 19th century Imperialism

Effects of Colonization:European goal of colonization was profit

Effects of Colonization:Very few industries were established keeping Africa

undevelopedRipped apart unified regions and threw together

ethnic groups with little in commonAfrican people were powerless in their own

countriesRobbed Africa of its resourcesDisrupted the social structure (the way a society is

organized)

Pan-Africanism

Pan-AfricanismPan-AfricanismThe idea that people of African

descent should work together for their freedom.

Stressed unity and cooperation among all Africans

World WarsIn both World War I and WWII,

Africans fought for European powers. Ex-soldiers wanted self-rule.

Challenges of Independence: PoliticalBetween 1951 & 1980 – most African colonies gained their

freedomAfrican leaders spent years fighting towards freedom, but had

NONO experience governing (Europeans wouldn’t let them govern) resulting in unstable governments Protests:

Strikes - stop working until demands are met Boycotts - refuse to deal with or buy from

Civil Wars – fighting within a country Genocide – systematic killing of a whole group of people Corruption – governments involved in illegal, dishonest

activities In some countries, military took control by force (Coup

d’etat)These governments were not always fair, people had very

few rights, and were jailed if protestedMost African countries are less than 60 years old (USA 238

yrs. old)

Decolonization Overview

Challenges of Independence: Economic IssuesDuring the Colonial Period, Europe saw

Africa as source of raw materialsResult…

Very few industries established keeping Africa undeveloped

Economy based on agriculture

Challenges of Independence: Environmental Issues

Environmental ChallengesBecause economy based on

Agriculture, African countries faced several challenges

DesertificationDeserts are getting bigger by

the day!! Deforestation

Causes fertile soil to wash awayMakes even less good land

for farmingDrought

Long Period of time with no rainRESULT: Famine – extreme scarcity of food

Challenges of Independence: Social Issues

Education Children must help family by workingWhen kids go to school, family

loses $$$Low Literacy Rate

10% prior to independence Today, after independence…Most of the countries in Africa

still have literacy rates under 75%

Challenges of Independence: Social Issues

HealthLow Life Expectancy

Disease Insects spreadUnclean waterPoor living conditions Viruses

oAIDS- attacks healthy cells