Oct. 10

Focus of discussion: Africa's role in World War II, emphasizing both civil strife in the region and the contribution of African soldiers to the war effort outside of Africa.

Examination of the participation of African soldiers in the war.
- Notable figure: Chari Makumari.
- Background: A Nigerian soldier who served extensively in the British colonial military and began his career in the German army.
- Career Highlights: Participated in the East Africa campaign of World War I and II, served in Burma, retired around 1953.
- Significance: Represents the long history of African military service across different colonial powers.
Visual aids: Pictures from the Burma campaign highlighting the significant role of African troops during World War II.

Background of the French political landscape post the fall of France in June 1940:
- Conquered by Germany, leading to the division of French forces:
- Vichy France: Pro-German puppet government controlling most of French territories in Africa.
- Free French Movement: Exiled leaders including Charles de Gaulle sought alignment with Allied forces to liberate France.
Consequences for French colonies:
- Most of French North and West Africa aligned with Vichy, complicating allegiance during the war.
- Chad was one of the few territories that remained loyal to Free France due to the efforts of Felix Éboué.

Profile: A well-educated black man from the French Caribbean who became governor and influenced the allegiance of West African territories to the Free French.
His connection by marriage to Charles de Gaulle solidified Chad's significance in the Free French forces.

Mobilization of Free French forces: Reliant on British support for transport and supply.
Major conflicts:
- Battle of Dakar: A failed naval operation by the Royal Navy to land Free French forces due to Vichy forces’ strong resistance.
- Invasion of Gabon: Successful landings led by the Royal Navy and Free French forces to capture key territories.
Aftermath of Vichy forces: Post Pearl Harbor's impact on alliances and subsequent Allied invasions in French territories.

Complexity in command structures of Free French forces, with initial disorganization among various leaders before unifying under Charles de Gaulle.

Insurgical structure of Vichy France differing in ideologies from Free French forces; questions raised regarding their governance and alignment with colonial interests.

Battle of Dakar: Highlighted resistance from Vichy aligned forces.
Landings in Libreville (Gabon): Established Free French control of central Africa and facilitated operations from Brazzaville.

Emphasis on the massive role of African soldiers in different campaigns, particularly in Italy after North African control shifted.

Notable campaigns included the grueling attempts to take Casino and the strategic importance of Free French troops, primarily North African units, in the conflict.
Impact of D-Day and subsequent movements towards France, highlighting the replacement of Black African soldiers due to racial ideologies within Free French command.

Discontent among returning soldiers leading to violent protests and repercussions for independence movements in colonial territories.

Shift in British military strategies involving multiple formations of soldiers from across the African continent, highlighting a significant departure from previous military policies.
- Over 120,000 African troops engaged between 1943 to 1945, ushering in what became known as the "Burma Road."
Critical issues faced due to tropical diseases affecting soldier effectiveness in combat.

First Colonial Occupation: Overview of historical context leading to renewed interest in Africa's resources during WWII.
Massive urbanization sparked as a response to increased war production demands, contributing to economic shifts in African societies.
Consequences of forced labor policies returning to pre-World War I levels complicating social dynamics throughout the continent.

Examination of the mythos surrounding WWII veterans’ roles in nationalist movements; how they are often romanticized as fighters for freedom upon returning home.
- Case study: Gold Coast (Ghana) Protests in 1948, where veterans’ treatment led to civil unrest and a greater push for independence from British colonial rule.
Arguments against the glorified narrative: Many veterans focused on securing better benefits rather than leading independence movements, with a notable absence of veterans in leadership roles across different nations.
Reflection on the complex legacy of African soldiers in military service post-war, particularly in their roles within colonial police and repressive actions against their countries' quest for independence.
Conclusion: Recognition that while some veterans participated in independence movements, many were more involved in suppressing protests, complicating the overall narrative of military service and its impact on African nationalism.