What factors contributed to the growth of African nationalism
Answers
Answer:
Nationalism can be defined as the desire for Africans to end all forms of foreign control and influence so as to be able to take charge of their political, social and economic affairs.
African nationalism grew out of the desire among and along different African community to fight to independence from their colonial masters. Early nationalism in Africa was right from the period of European colonizers, it had to manifest itself in African rebellion and resistance.
Several factors contributed to the rise of African nationalism.
(a) Internal factors
INTRODUCTION OF FOREIGN SYSTEMS- The loss of independence to foreigners and the introduction of foreign systems of government caused feelings of resistance among rulers and peoples of Africa. Therefore, foreign control caused feelings of nationalism among African states.
UNFAIR COLONIAL POLICIES (colonial labour laws)- There were also unfair colonial policies. Colonial economic policies such as taxation, forced labour and compulsory growing of crops caused discontent among Africans. The suffering of Africans which was also expressed in form of armed resistance in many countries marked the growth of African nationalism.
(b)External factors
The settlement of large numbers of European settlers in different parts of Africa caused growth of African nationalism. Large numbers of Africans were displaced from fertile lands in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa and many other countries. This caused destruction of African culture, poverty, hunger and other forms of suffering. It also exposed Africans to segregation. This caused the need to fight for political freedom and self determination.
The emergence of the new super powers, that is, USA and Soviet Union, replaced Britain, France and Germany which had failed to protect world peace. The new powers wanted to be free to pursue their
trading interests in Africa’s wanted to spread the ideology of capitalism. Also Russia, wanted d to spread communism. They therefore put pressure on colonial powers to decolonize. In addition they provided support to liberations movements for example, scholarships for education. They also used their influence in the UN to call for independence of African colonies this encouraged the growth of nationalist movements.