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Home / IAS Preparation / Decolonization Of Africa

Decolonization of Africa - Background, External & Internal Causes, Timeline, Challenges & Aftermath

Last Updated on Sep 06, 2023
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Decolonization of Africa is the process by which African colonies freed themselves from colonial empires and assimilated into the new “world order.” During the Cold War, Africa underwent decolonization from the mid-1950s to 1975. Between 1945 and 1960, more than three dozen new states in Asia and Africa achieved autonomy from their European colonial rulers. As colonial governments transformed into independent states, the continent experienced dramatic regime changes.

Decolonization of Africa is one of the most important topics for the General Studies I Mains Paper in the UPSC IAS Examination.

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Also, check out the World History UPSC Notes here.

About Decolonization of Africa

Decolonization, the opposite of colonization, is the process by which a colony acquires its independence from a colonial power. Decolonization could be accomplished through independence, fusion with the governing power or another state, or creating a “free association” status.

The decolonization of Africa took place from the mid-to-late 1950s to 1975 during the Cold War. The changes during the process were sudden and radical as the colonies transitioned towards African independence, at times marred by political violence. Harold MacMillan, the British Prime Minister, helped begin decolonization. The transition from colonies to independent nations was abrupt and radical, occasionally marred by political violence. World War II was one of the main reasons for the decolonization of Africa. Many European nations needed help to keep up with their possessions in Africa after the war. Due to this, nationalists could negotiate the decolonization of Africa quickly and with few casualties. The wealth and political support required to put down uprisings needed to be improved in the European nations. 

Also, check out the Decolonization of the Middle East in 1932 and 1971 here.

Historical Background of Decolonization of Africa 

  • European countries initially focused on coastal trading colonies in Africa, except for the British and the Dutch, who established settlements in South Africa.
  • By 1880, less than 5% of Africa was under European rule, but the "Scramble for Africa" changed the situation within 20 years.
  • Except for Liberia and Ethiopia, all of Africa was occupied by seven European nations: Belgium, Britain, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
  • In 1884, these colonial powers attended the Berlin Conference, where they divided Africa among themselves without considering African people, cultures, or natural boundaries.
  • European armies easily overpowered African resistance, leading to widespread colonization.
  • After World War II, European nations struggled to control their African possessions.
  • Decolonization took place in Africa from the mid-1950s to 1975.

Also, study India-African Relations here.

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Causes of the Decolonization of Africa

There were many external and internal reasons for the Decolonization of Africa, like world war II, the emergence of new superpowers, the independence of Asian nations, the emergence of enlighted leaders in Africa, etc. Some of the external and internal causes are:

External causes

  • World War II weakened European powers, making them unable to maintain their empires.
  • The United States and the Soviet Union, the strongest, victorious nations, opposed colonialism.
  • The United Nations and other international organizations supported decolonization.
  • Thinkers like Montesquieu and Voltaire promoted equality and social awareness, which helped to fuel decolonization movements.
  • Asia's social, political, and economic development influenced decolonization in Africa.
  • After African independence, India supported decolonization in West Africa.
  • The United States, which emerged as a world power after World War II, supported decolonization to gain access to markets and investment opportunities.

Internal causes

  • After World War II, African nationalism emerged in many West African countries. This was due to a number of factors, including:
  • The spread of Western education led to the rise of an educated elite who were aware of their rights and who were able to organize and mobilize people.
  • The economic exploitation of Africa by colonial powers led to widespread poverty and resentment.
  • The political oppression of Africans by colonial powers, which denied them basic rights and freedoms.
  • African nationalists formed political parties, social welfare organizations, and labor unions to fight for independence. They also organized boycotts, strikes, and protests.
  • The first major victory for African nationalism came in Ghana in 1957 when the country gained independence. This victory inspired other African countries to fight for their independence.
  • By the early 1960s, most of Africa had gained independence. This was a major turning point in African history, and it profoundly impacted the continent's political, economic, and social development.

Also, check out the East African Community (EAC) here.

Scramble for Africa Led to Decolonization
  • The colonization of Africa was part of a worldwide European project that spanned all continents. The impact of European colonialism and dominance on the world was profound.
  • Historians claim that the European powers' hurried imperial conquest of the African continent began with King Leopold II of Belgium. He enlisted European forces to win respect in Belgium.
  • Between 1881 and 1914, the Scramble for Africa occurred under New Imperialism. The Berlin Conference and British ‘New’ Imperialism, often known as the “Congo Conference,” began. At the invitation of Portugal, German Chancellor Otto von Bismark convened a meeting of the world’s leading Western nations in 1884. The meeting was to discuss and resolve issues about African dominance.
  • The countries that are represented then include the following:
    • Austria-Hungary,
    • Belgium,
    • Denmark,
    • France,
    • Germany,
    • Great Britain,
    • Italy,
    • the Netherlands,
    • Portugal,
    • Russia,
    • Spain,
    • Sweden-Norway (united from 1814-1905),
    • Turkey, and
    • the United States of America.

Study the Impacts of World War II here.

Challenges Faced by Africa During Decolonization

Some of the challenges faced by African countries because of decolonization were:

  • The colonisers’ enormous military power brought many African nations together. But after the decolonization, they massacred one another inside these imposed artificial boundaries. This was because of their lack of shared cultural history and tribal hostility. The worst genocides occurred in Rwanda, Burundi, Congo (Zaire), and Nigeria.
  • The majority of African nations were resource-rich. Hence, the two major blocs didn’t want more states slipping into the sphere of their rival power. The result was protracted civil wars. For instance, the war between Angola, Uganda, Burundi, etc.
  • Colonizers used African countries as sources of raw materials. As a result, these countries were vulnerable to Neo-Colonialism due to their lack of industries and subpar agriculture.
  • The majority of their economies depended solely on the export of one or two commodities. Political unrest and civil wars erupted in countries as a result of falling global prices.
  • Most colonial nations forbade Africans from receiving an education. As a result, there was a lack of wise leadership and faith in democratic processes. Due to this, most nations experienced civil war and corruption shortly after gaining independence.
  • African nations are doomed by the devastating famines of the 1980s and the ongoing famines brought on by climate change. These occurrences ultimately destroy economies and destabilise governments. The spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic also posed a serious threat to these nations throughout the 1990s.
  • Disasters brought on by climate change have been reported to affect third-world nations over the past 20 years, particularly those in Africa.
  • The decolonization process led to ethnic conflict in some nations. This could be seen in nations where a sizable white settler population existed. They were evicted from their estates forcibly, as happened in Zimbabwe. This resulted in a general decline in productivity and a financial crisis.

Check out the article on the Horn of Africa here.

Independence of Africa
  • Many European nations found it challenging to maintain their possessions in Africa after World War II.
  • Some African nations gained independence peacefully during the period leading up to independence. However, in other instances, they had to use force to reclaim their sovereign rights.
  • French rule was reinstated after the war. The occupation of French North African colonies by British and American forces brought with it its own set of issues. In 1956, Morocco and Tunisia gained their independence.
  • In order to prevent civil war at home, the French President granted Algeria full independence in 1962. This was after eight years of bloody fighting between:
    • French settlers, 
    • Algerian nationalists, 
    • Islamic insurgents, and 
    • the French Army.
  • The former colonies of Italy were incorporated into the UN in 1951, Libya became a new country, and Somalia in 1960.
  • Following the brutal Mau-Mau uprising in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia gained their independence in 1964. They obtained independence along with Tanganyika and Kenya.
  • France left its possessions in tropical Africa between 1958 and 1960, and Belgium left the Congo in 1960.
  • When Britain granted Zimbabwe its independence in 1980, it was the last country to give up its colonial possessions.

Also, check out the Global Slavery Index for UPSC here.

Aftermath of Decolonization of Africa

Africa gained independence in the early 1980s, but civil wars broke out due to problematic borders and hostile tribes within nations. Colonial policies, political instability, and religious/tribal conflicts worsened the situation, leading to poverty and oppression. European settlers' desire for control caused problems in Algeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. South Africa experienced apartheid from 1948 to 1990, denying voting rights to locals. After apartheid's end, Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black President in 1994.

The political dynamics of the Cold War era further contributed to the disunity of African states. This resulted in secession movements like Sudan and Eritrea. Unfortunately, violence still persists in many African nations, causing immense suffering for their populations.

Timeline – Decolonization of Africa

The table given below provides information about the decolonization of African countries with their independence year and colonial power.

Country

Year of Independence

Colonial Power

Ghana (Gold Coast)

1957

Great Britain

Guinea (French Guinea)

1958

France

Algeria

1962

France

Kenya

1963

Great Britain

Nigeria

1960

Great Britain

South Africa

1961

United Kingdom

Congo (Belgian Congo)

1960

Belgium

Tanzania (Tanganyika and Zanzibar)

1961

UK and Germany

Mozambique

1975

Portugal

Angola

1975

Portugal

Zimbabwe (Rhodesia)

1980

United Kingdom

Zambia

1964

Great Britain

Malawi

1964

Great Britain

Botswana

1966

United Kingdom

Lesotho

1966

United Kingdom

Swaziland

1968

United Kingdom

Guinea-Bissau

1975

Portugal

Cape Verde

1975

Portugal

São Tomé and Príncipe

1975

Portugal

Study the Economic Community of West African States here.

Conclusion

The decolonization of Africa helped free billions of people from oppressive foreign rule and exploitation. In the end, most of the world was able to exercise self-determination and self-rule. Although authoritarian nations continue to have a significant impact on global trade, investment, and technology, these nations are free to determine their own futures. The Decolonization of Africa was not easy, as independent nations struggled greatly to integrate into the modern world in all its glory.

We hope that all your doubts regarding the Decolonization of Africa will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.

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Decolonization of Africa FAQs

World war II led to the decolonization of Africa. Many European nations struggled to keep up with their possessions in Africa after the war. Some African nations gained independence through violence, and others by peaceful means.

During the decolonization of Africa, the economy of Africa slowed down because of a lack of infrastructure, unorganised labour, and numerous other problems. Political upheaval, unrest, and revolts were frequent.

Initially, two countries Somalia and Nigeria become independent from Britain in 1960. Then the Dominion of Ghana voted to become a Republic, ending Queen Elizabeth II's reign as the monarch of Ghana.

The Second World War rendered the majority of European powers incapable of supporting the upkeep of their empires. The two strongest victorious nations, the USA and the USSR, firmly opposed colonialism which led to the decolonization of Africa.

The Scramble for Africa, also known as the Partition of Africa or the Conquest of Africa, was an episode of New Imperialism that saw seven Western European powers invade, annexe, divide, and colonise the majority of Africa.
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