This document covers the following concepts:
How was independence realised in Africa in the 1960s and 1970s?
• What were the ideas that influenced the independent states? [NOT EXAMINABLE]
A brief exploration of the different forms of government (political ideologies and economies), such as Af...
Independent Africa
The independentof African states was a result of decolonisation in the 1960s and 1970s
Uhuru - Swahili for ‘freedom’.Uhuru was fuelled by:
● Pan Africanism
● Exposure to western concepts of freedom and democracy
● Weakness of colonial powers after power after WWII.
● Atlantic Charter - giving all people the right to choose their own form of government. Rights
enshrined in the UN Charter.
Partnerships or Pan - Africanism?
Conservatives
Moderates
Radicals
The new states were influenced by five models
of government:
1. African socialism
Examples: Tanzania, Ghana
(Socialism: The collective ownership of the means of production.)
● Popular since it was the opposite of capitalism which was associated with colonialism, imperialism
and exploitation.
● Socialism is closer in nature to the traditional African communal way of life.
● Did not want to become a satellite state of the USSR - developed its own African socialism.
● Classless, communal society with land belonging to all but democracy in decision making.
● Happy to include the benefits of western technology.
2. Capitalism
Examples: Kenya, Nigeria, Ivory Coast
● Wanting to improve standard of living for all and provide essential social services.
● Economy remains strongly reliant on foreign investment from the West.
● Putting africans in key positions in country’s economy
● State involvement in economy but economy not state controlled.
3. Democracy
Examples: Botswana
(Modelled on Westminster model but struggled)
● Single party usually had monopoly and quickly eliminated potential opposition,
● Many leaders, once in power, abandoned western systems in pursuit of more power.
, 2
4. One-party states
Example: Equatorial Guinea
● (Ruling party took control of the government, police and armed forces. President ruled as an
autocrat. Press censorship and few civil rights.)
● Why was this accepted by the people?
● No time wasted on elections and politics - government able to concentrate on developing the
country.
● Accustomed to leadership by one African chief who ruled with advisors.
● Lack of education meant no one was in a position to speak out against this form of government.
● People satisfied as long as local needs were being met - no real sense of nationalism.
5. Military dictatorships
Examples: Algeria, Burundi
● Civilian government unable to solve problems.
● Military coup by army. 131 attempted coups between 1960 and 1985 - only 60 successful
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