Independence and its Challenges Africa: Lasting Effects of Colonization Decolonization of Africa.
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Transcript of Independence and its Challenges Africa: Lasting Effects of Colonization Decolonization of Africa.
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