1959-1961 Notes

Historical Context 1959

  • Definition of "Knowledge Economy"

    • An economic system where knowledge, information, and skills are primary drivers of growth and development.
    • Focus on creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge to enhance productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

  • Example: Japan's Economic Shift

    • Prior to 1959, Japan was predominantly manufacturing-based, heavily reliant on sectors like automotive and electronics.
    • Post-WWII boom led to rapid industrialization, aided by government initiatives and skilled workforce, referred to as the "Japanese economic miracle."
    • Economic model emphasized investments in infrastructure, research, education, and collaboration between public/private sectors.
    • Key features included quality control (kaizen), corporate loyalty, and a stable labor market.

  • Shift to Knowledge Economy

    • Faced with stagnation, Japan transitioned to focus on technology, research, and knowledge-intensive sectors by late 20th century.
    • Government-backed investments in education and innovation helped cultivate a skilled workforce in tech and research.

Historical Context 1960

  • Independence of French West Africa

    • Before 1960, French West Africa was under colonial rule with the exploitation of resources for French benefit.
    • Territories included Senegal, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, and others, characterized by extraction economies focused on cash crops for export.
    • Social inequalities and economic exploitation characterized indigenous life under oppressive colonial policies.

  • Path to Independence

    • Nationalist movements emerged due to political repression and economic exploitation, fostering a push for self-determination.
    • International pressures and the global decolonization wave contributed to France offering colonies autonomy or independence starting with the Brazzaville Conference in 1958.
    • By 1960, several states in the region achieved independence following referendums and negotiations.

Historical Context 1961

  • Angola's Armed Struggle for Independence

    • Angola, under Portuguese colonialism from 1861 to 1960, became a site for significant resistance against exploitation and oppression.
    • The independence movement involved various nationalist groups emerging from long-standing oppression, with significant escalation in the 1960s.

  • Key Nationalist Movements

    • Major groups: MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola), FNLA (National Front for the Liberation of Angola), and UNITA.
    • The armed struggle began in earnest in 1961, leading to a protracted conflict involving guerrilla warfare and international interventions.

  • Aftermath

    • Despite independence declared in 1975, Angola faced a civil war as various factions fought for control, leading to decades of instability and conflict, influenced by Cold War dynamics.

Comparison of Independence Movements

  • Origins

    • French West Africa: Driven by nationalist sentiments seeking independence in mid-20th century alongside global decolonization efforts.
    • Angola: Resistance movements against Portuguese rule emerged earlier, leading to a more violent struggle influenced by Cold War politics.

  • Strategies

    • French West Africa employed political activism and negotiations, seeking international support for independence.
    • Angola's strategy was characterized by armed resistance and guerrilla warfare against colonial forces.

  • Outcomes

    • French West Africa's movements achieved independence mostly through negotiated settlements between 1958 and 1960, creating new sovereign states.
    • Angola gained independence in 1975 but faced civil war post-independence, leading to widespread devastation and prolonged conflict.