The short century: independence and liberation movements in africa, 1945-1994

Definition

The short century refers to a period in African history marked by significant independence and liberation movements from the end of World War II in 1945 to the early 1990s. This era was characterized by the struggle against colonial rule, the fight for self-determination, and the establishment of new nations across the continent, as various leaders and groups worked tirelessly to reshape their societies and assert their rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The short century saw the emergence of influential leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, and Julius Nyerere who played critical roles in their countries' struggles for independence.
2. Between 1945 and 1994, more than 50 African countries achieved independence from colonial rule, with many transitions marked by civil unrest and conflict.
3. The Cold War heavily influenced the independence movements, as superpowers sought to expand their influence in Africa, often supporting opposing factions.
4. Liberation movements often involved armed struggle, with groups like the African National Congress (ANC) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) fighting against oppressive regimes.
5. By 1994, with South Africa's first democratic elections, the wave of liberation movements had transformed the political landscape of Africa, paving the way for a new era of governance.

Review Questions

• How did decolonization shape the political landscape of Africa during the short century?
  • Decolonization significantly transformed Africa's political landscape by leading to the establishment of numerous independent states. The period saw a shift from colonial governance to self-rule, enabling African leaders to create new governments based on local values and priorities. However, this transition was often marred by political instability, civil wars, and economic challenges as newly independent nations struggled to build effective systems amidst legacy issues left by colonialism.
• Analyze the impact of Pan-Africanism on independence movements in Africa during this period.
  • Pan-Africanism played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among African nations during the independence movements. It encouraged collaboration between countries in their struggles against colonial rule while promoting cultural pride and awareness. The ideology galvanized support across borders, leading to coordinated efforts for independence, such as the formation of organizations like the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which aimed to enhance cooperation among newly independent states.
• Evaluate how the Cold War influenced liberation movements in Africa from 1945 to 1994.
  • The Cold War had a profound impact on liberation movements in Africa by shaping alliances and funding dynamics. Superpowers like the United States and the Soviet Union often backed various factions based on ideological alignments—communist or capitalist. This external involvement complicated internal struggles as some liberation movements became proxies in a larger geopolitical conflict. Ultimately, these dynamics not only influenced the success or failure of certain movements but also shaped post-independence governance structures across the continent.

Related terms

Decolonization:

The process through which colonies gained independence from colonial powers, often involving political, social, and economic changes.

Pan-Africanism: A political and cultural movement aimed at promoting unity and solidarity among African nations and people of African descent globally.

African Nationalism: A movement advocating for the political independence and cultural identity of African nations and peoples, often in response to colonialism.