Post-war decolonisation in Africa
I can explain the role of nationalist movements in achieving independence for Britain's colonies in Africa.
Post-war decolonisation in Africa
I can explain the role of nationalist movements in achieving independence for Britain's colonies in Africa.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- After the Second World War, Britain had initially hoped to retain control of its empire in Africa.
- From 1945, demands for independence from nationalist movements across Britain's African colonies intensified.
- Nkrumah led peaceful protests against British rule in the Gold Coast, which became independent as Ghana in 1957.
- The Mau Mau Uprising meant that Kenya's transition to independence was more violent than in other African colonies.
- The Mau Mau Uprising helped to demonstrate that Britain could no longer rule Kenya and it became independent in 1963.
Common misconception
Decolonisation happened in a peaceful and orderly way in all of Britain's African colonies.
Decolonisation in many of Britain's African colonies was mostly peaceful; however, there were exceptions. For example, in Kenya there was significant violence as the British authorities used brutal measures to suppress the Mau Mau Uprising (1952-60).
Keywords
Decolonisation - the process by which colonies ruled by an empire achieve independence
Self government - when people in a community or region make their own decisions about laws, policies, and leadership without outside control
Nationalist - someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations
Guerilla - warfare that involves using surprise attacks and hit-and-run tactics to fight a larger, more traditional military force
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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