The 20th Century Africa

Africa in the 20th century was primarily shaped by external control and exploitation by Western powers.
Key influences on Africa's struggle for autonomy included colonialism, the Cold War, and the domination of the marketplace.

Early 20th century Africa was largely under colonial rule; only Ethiopia and Liberia were independent.
Major colonial powers: Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal; other European countries had minor roles (Italy, Spain, Germany).
Colonialists introduced capitalism, military force, and missionary efforts.
Resistance from African communities was met with collaboration from some local leaders, leading to compromised interests.
Colonial exploitation yielded vast wealth from Africa’s resources (rubber, ivory, gold, etc.), while impoverishing local populations.
The establishment of migrant labor systems disbanded traditional communities and fostered internal conflict.
Economic crises, such as the Great Depression of the 1930s, exacerbated struggles.

Significant participation of African soldiers in WWII fostered anti-fascist sentiment and awareness of oppression.
Inspired the rise of anti-colonial movements led by educated Africans returning from abroad.
Kwame Nkrumah emerged as a significant figure, leading Ghana to become the first African nation to gain independence in 1957.

Ghana's independence served as an inspiration for a wave of decolonization across the continent.
Most African nations achieved independence by the 1960s, except white-led regimes in Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Rhodesia).

The Cold War influenced African liberation movements; U.S. and Soviet involvement shifted power balances.
U.S. support for anti-communist leaders led to repression of nationalist movements and military coups across Africa.
Patrice Lumumba’s assassination highlighted the dangers faced by charismatic leaders.

The 1970s and 80s saw economic interference from the World Bank and IMF, emphasizing market primacy during times of crisis.
Struggles with drought and rising oil prices strained already fragile economies.
The consequences included civil wars and widespread displacement.

Late 20th century marked significant political events, including:
- Nelson Mandela's leadership in South Africa leading to majority rule.
- Yoweri Museveni's rise in Uganda, symbolizing a new wave of leadership focused on overcoming external pressures and ethnic conflicts.

The 1994 Rwandan genocide, where a million Tutsis were killed by Hutu, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of ethnic divisions in failing states.