Africa decolonization

We are all aware that Africa was once predominantly under the control of European nations and that these colonies eventually gained independence. However, many people are unaware of the specifics surrounding how and why this decolonization process occurred.

Throughout the story I will delve into the process through which each African nation achieved independence, examining the prevailing trends in Africa at the time, the challenges faced by Africans, and the motivations behind the decision of colonial powers to decolonize. Prior to discussing the decolonization of Africa, it is essential to understand how the continent was colonized in the first place.

The initial European colonies were established in uninhabited regions like Cape Verde or as coastal forts for trade with local populations and supply ships traveling to and from Africa and Asia. While Europeans gradually expanded their control along the African coastline, they encountered difficulties penetrating further inland. This was primarily due to the lack of technological superiority over native African tribes, kingdoms, and empires, as well as the unprofitability of transporting materials from Africa to Europe.

Unlike the Americas, Africa did not experience widespread devastation from diseases like smallpox, and unlike Asia, it did not possess easily transportable commodities such as spices. Although they used there herbal medicine which happened to b very effective. The tide began to turn with the onset of European industrialization, which introduced advancements like repeating rifles, machine guns, steamboats, and trains that facilitated conquest, shipping, and transportation.

The catalyst for widespread European interest in colonizing Africa came in 1869 when King Leopold II of Belgium initiated plans to colonize the Congo, prompting other European powers to embark on their own African expeditions. The primary motivations behind European colonization of Africa were to secure control over trade routes, such as the British desire to dominate the Suez Canal for expedited shipping to and from their colonies.

The prevailing political system in most African countries is often attributed to the lasting effects of colonialism. European powers such as Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Italy played major roles in the complete colonization of Africa. However, it was France and Britain that held the most colonies on the continent. Let us focus on the differences between French and British colonialism in Africa.

Prior to colonization, Africa had a greater degree of freedom of movement as national borders were almost non-existent. There was no established form of government, as large communities gave rise to kingdoms, powerful empires, and city-states. This led to the development of shared languages, beliefs, traditions, cultures, value systems, art, lifestyles, and religious practices.

However, the global expansion of European powers led to the colonization of Africa, dramatically altering the world. European countries sought to control African nations primarily due to their abundant natural resources. Their motivations ranged from economic and political interests to religious reasons. At the time, Europe was facing economic depression and countries were losing money. Africa, on the other hand, possessed vast reserves of raw materials.

Another reason for Africa's colonization was the utilization of its population as a source of cheap labor for European industries. The scramble for Africa, which refers to the competition among European countries to acquire African territories, began during the era of new imperialism between 1881 and 1914. In 1884, at the Conference of Berlin, called at the request of Portugal and chaired by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, European powers convened to resolve the confusion over the control of Africa. Notably, Africa was not represented at this conference, and its fate was decided without its presence. The countries present at the conference included Germany, Belgium, and others.