Kwame Nkrumah and the Quest for Independence

A set of vocabulary flashcards focused on key terms and concepts associated with Kwame Nkrumah's quest for independence and the political theories surrounding decolonization and pan-Africanism.

Kwame Nkrumah

Leader of the Convention People’s Party and the first Prime Minister of Ghana, who advocated for pan-Africanism and independence from colonial rule.

Pan-African federation

Nkrumah's vision of a united political and economic alliance among African states to overcome colonial dependence and create a stronger regional identity.

Decolonization

The process of freeing a country from colonization, particularly concerning the political and economic liberation of African nations.

Neocolonialism

Nkrumah's term describing the continuation of colonial power dynamics through economic control rather than direct political rule, even after independence.

Economic dependence

A condition where a country’s economy relies heavily on foreign countries for trade, investment, and resources, limiting its sovereignty and development.

Ghana-Guinea-Mali Union

A political and economic alliance initiated by Ghana, Guinea, and Mali, intended to serve as a foundation for greater pan-African unity.

Treaty of Rome

A treaty signed in 1957 that established the European Economic Community (EEC), symbolizing European post-war integration.

Positive action

Nkrumah's strategy of nonviolent mass mobilization and civic engagement to achieve independence and create political change.

Civic duty and responsibility

The concept that citizenship involves active participation in shaping and improving one's country through responsibility and engagement.

Organization of African Unity (OAU)

An organization established in 1963 aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among African states, formed as a reaction to Nkrumah's pan-African vision.

Imperialism

A policy or ideology where a nation extends its power and dominance over other countries or territories, economically and politically.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself, free from external interference, which Nkrumah argued was compromised by economic dependencies.

Globalization

The process by which businesses and other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, often impacting local economies and cultures.

Nationalism vs. Internationalism

A political ideology that prioritizes the interests of a nation versus a perspective that supports global cooperation and solidarity across nations.

Hierarchy and dependence

The social and economic structures resulting from colonialism, where power is unevenly distributed, often favoring former colonizers.

Civic identity

The sense of belonging to a nation or state, actively shaped by engagement in national projects and responsibilities.