The process of colonization was marked by dominance and imperialism and dates back to the 16th century. From that time, the Portuguese and Spanish shared the known world and established colonies (territory under a foreign state, the mainland). A new doctrine called colonialism was born and called for the establishment and development of settlements, viewed as a power source. From the mid-nineteenth century, Europeans reactivated the "race to the colonies" and the major European powers extended their domination over the whole world.
With the industrial revolution, Europe monopolized the means of power, men and wealth. From 1885 to 1914, Europeans completed the conquest of Africa and shared a mainland. In 1945, sub-Saharan Africa (Black Africa, Africa south of Sahara), France had the French West Africa or AOF (Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire), French Equatorial Africa or AEF (Chad, Central Africa, Congo, Gabon) and Madagascar.
The United Kingdom was present in East Africa (Sudan, Kenya, Somalia), Southern Africa (Rhodesia, which became Zimbabwe, Union of South Africa), and West Africa (Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria). Belgium had colonies in the Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi. Portugal dominated the Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique.
After 1945, the decolonization movement (liberation of the colonies that form the Independent States) was massive and accelerating at a fast pace. The process began in Asia (India - 1947, Indonesia - 1949, Indochina - 1954), and continued in Africa, during the "African Wave" (1956-1966). Black Africa was emancipated from French and British within a span of 60 years. Decolonization ended in 1975 with the independence of the Portuguese colonies, Angola and Mozambique. Once these states gained political independence, the countries of sub-Saharan Africa faced many political, economic and social challenges.
The causes of decolonization:
1. National elites emerged; intellectual elites formed by the missionaries, teachers and universities in European cities steeped in Western culture and values (Enlightenment, liberal democracy, Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, etc.) taking on board these ideals and turning against the colonial power.
2. Rejection of the colonial system - These elites rejected the administrative and political domination in the name of "right of peoples to self determination" condemned the "colonial pact" (colonies relegated to being suppliers of raw materials whether it be for mining and agricultural purposes) in the name of equality among nations and condemned the exploitation of one nation by another and the contradictions of colonial societies (lack of political rights for local people, the best land granted to settlers, etc.) on behalf of equal rights .
3. Nationalist movements - The nationalist movement in SSA was less structured, less politicized and less radical than elsewhere in Asia or North Africa. But large movements calling themselves traditionalist exalted national identity and political progress like Leopold Sedar Senghor in Senegal and Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Côte d'Ivoire.
In July 1945, in the magazine "Spirit", Leopold Sedar Senghor condemned the colonization and the colonial pact by recalling the atrocities committed and the plunder of African resources.
Tags: Leopold Sedar Senghor , Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, decolonization
[...] Economic criteria of underdevelopment: The sub-Saharan Africa, which comprises of the world's population, provides only of global income. A large proportion of the population is employed in the primary sector (Ethiopia 77%). The industrial sector is often undeveloped (except South Africa) and the tertiary sector is often bloated, but it is mainly low-skilled service and small business. The informal sector is highly developed in the cities, it is an economic sector which consists of unofficial activities personal services, crafts, barter and illegal trade. [...]
[...] The decolonization of sub- Saharan Africa began in the British territories in the West. The UK preferred to renounce political sovereignty to maintain economic ties with its former colonies. The emancipation of black Africa began in the British territories in the West. The "Gold Coast" (Gold Coast) inaugurated the movement. Through the action of its nationalist leader, Kwame Nkrumah, the Gold Coast got autonomy (self-government) in 1954 and independence in 1957 and took the name of Ghana. Kwame Nkrumah chose a path to independence which was based on the principles of non-violent action and civil disobedience of Gandhi: pointed out that there were two ways to acquire autonomy, one by the armed revolution and the other by non-violent methods which were constitutional and legitimate. [...]
[...] The population explosion and its consequences: In the 50s, sub-Saharan Africa, as the Third World, was the scene of profound demographic changes (demographic transition). Mortality has collapsed in recent years, particularly infant mortality, thanks to advances in sanitation, the spread of vaccination and antibiotics. Fertility remains very high due to the tradition of early marriage, the influence of religious nationalist religions and the need for labor in the countryside. Natural increase is very strong and is reflected in the doubling of the African population from 1960 to 1990. [...]
[...] The proliferation of internal conflicts and coups, is a foil for foreign investment, and the inability of many African states to manage their development (widespread corruption, embezzlement of aid). Conclusion Sub-Saharan Africa was heavily emancipated from colonial rule in the 60s but still faces development challenges. Ethnic wars, conflicts between states, political instability characterized by numerous coups, military dictatorships and embezzlement of public money, the attitude of the local bourgeoisie and the dependence of African economies cannot break the vicious circle of underdevelopment. Bibliography Africa can it be competitive? [...]
[...] African states in their current limits are creations of colonization. European powers have imposed a cut which ignores history, ethnic data or even the ground. Borders inherited from colonization, include different ethnic groups (Race: community whose unity is based on language, culture, religion, traditions common), while members of the same ethnic group can be separated from several neighboring countries. In ethnic diversity, religious diversity was added. The birth of a national sentiment: The new Member States should contribute to forging a national consciousness and adopt official symbols: flags, anthems, emblems and currencies. [...]
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