African Organise to End European Rule
Foundations of Nationalism
Africans resisted the imposition of colonial rule
Leaders such as Samori Toure resorted to warfare
Jaja of Opobo, for example, opted for diplomatic approaches
Protests changed to demands for reforms and later on to demands fro the termination of European rule
Attacks on colonial system seemed mild until now
African nationalism was strengthened by the experience of European domination
Initial aims of nationalism:
to seek accommodation within the colonial system
make it beneficial towards the africans
minimiza exploitation and oppression
deal with assumptions of racial superiority
Traditional political class fell to the educated elite
Associations formed by:
students groups
religious leaders
alumni of particular schools
people from the same ethnic or regional areas
people united by occupations
These adopted a variety of tactics to express themselves
Pan-Africanism
PA's in the US during the 19th century promoted schemes of black emigration to Africa
Marcus Garvey - A PA hero who established the UNIA-ACL to improve the conditions of black people.
Garvey's movement attracted membership of 6 million people
Believed in emigration of black people, the establishment of a united govt and the promotion of entrepreneurship
PA's quick to criticise the imposition of colonial rule and to demand an end to it. - convened in many conferences
W.E.B Du Bois
In meetings - African anti colonial leaders had the opportunity to join other blacks in voicing their opinions and considering strategies of gaining power
Resolutions were consistent:
in their attacks against imperialism
demanding an end to European rule
protecting the independence of Liberia and Ethiopia
preserving ancient traditions and cultures
Ethiopian Crisis 1935-41
1935 - Mussolini attakced Ethiopia - 2nd war between the two countries
Italy launched an attack in 1935 using the opportunity caused by political troubles in Europe
Italy ignored the fact that Ethiopia was a member of the League of Nations
To appease Italy and avoid a conflict in Europe, other European countries decided to defend the sovereignty of Ethiopia
This incident radicalised the nationalist movement in African as many countries had looked up Ethiopia as a source of hope
Ethiopian support groups established in many countries to:
raise funds
buy food and medicine
engage in anti-Italian propaganda
pressure the League of Nations
campaign for a boycott of Italian goods
The Radical Phase
WWII further radicalised Africans who now began to demand nothing less than an end to European rule