this document is an overview of Topic 2 independent Africa in the IEB history syllabus. Covers everything except the case study on Angola.
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Independent Africa
What were the ideas that influenced the independent states
- Most of Africa was NOT independent (free from foreign/colonial rule).
- Formed part of the empires of European colonial powers.
- Authoritarian control of African countries.
- Europe imposed their: languages, religion, culture & traditions on Africa.
- Colonial powers had not developed economic self-sufficiency in the colonies.
- Colonies were geared towards exporting unprocessed minerals and cash crops cheaply and relied on
importing manufactured goods
POST WW2
- There was an increase in African Nationalism in Africa
- People hoped that independence would mean a bright new future for African states after decades of
colonial rule.
- A future FREE from foreign control.
- Urgent task needed in African states: industrialisation
Different ideas about economic systems
African Socialism
- There have been many aspects of African Socialism in traditional African societies such as :
communal land ownership
collective decision-making
classless village communities - no leadership by a certain class
collectivisation of agriculture
economic self-reliance
- Most famous example of this was in Tanzania by Julius Nyerere. - Some African leaders supported
this as they thought centralised state control was the best way to bring about economic
transformation. Capitalism
- Some of the African states adopted a capitalist approach
- Relied on foreign investment and stronger economic ties with Western countries
- Capitalism is an economic system where capital is invested and labour and resources are exploited to
make a profit
- Policy of Africanisation: Africans were placed in KEY aspects of economies of their countries.
- There was state involvement but NOT state control of the economy.
Different ideas about political systems
Democracy
- Before independence: lack of democracy and most African people had NO SAY in government.
- Competition between political parties did NOT survive in newly independent states:
Often a single party dominated and identified with a nationalist cause.
Democracy was replaced with an authoritarian regime.
- Why do democracies NOT survive in newly independent states?
Often African states who were under colonial rule had NO say in the government, education or politics
of their country and so the ONLY type of government they knew was an authoritarian one. When an
authoritarian regime is established it leads to instability in the state and so democracy is not able to
continue.
One party states
- Only one political party allowed: no opposition, led by a dictator
- This is how some leaders justified becoming one party states:
African societies typically were based on the authority of chiefs who ruled by consensus of the people.
Most cheap, straight forward way to carry out much needed economic and social development policies
Easier for unity and nation-building.
Marxists believed a small group was needed to lead the masses.
Legacy of colonial rule.
- Because there was no opposition allowed there was often abuse of power and it silenced criticism.
some even relied on the army to stay in power which led to military coups.
, Independent Africa The Congo
Context
- Due to its vast mineral resources (copper, cobalt, diamonds etc.) and strong strategic position in Africa.
Legacy of Belgian rule
- Harsh - people had to pay high taxes and do forced labour.
- Policy of ‘paternalism’ – African people should be treated as children and not allowed responsibility or
representation in government.
- Few secondary schools and no higher education.
- Political Parties & Independent African newspapers banned.
- Left the Congo unprepared for independence.
- 1959
Violent protests in towns around the Congo
Belgium decided to grant independence within 6 months
Meeting in Brussels where round table talks took place between - Patrice Lumumba, Joseph Kasavubu
& Moise Tshombe.
Elections
- People of the Congo totally unprepared for sudden change of policy.
- A large amount of political parties were quickly formed
- Most parties were regionally based so they drew their support from a single ethnic group.
May 1960
- 120 political parties with no outright majority
- MNC (National Congolese Movement) won with Lumumba as leader
- He won because he attempted to gain nationwide support as opposed to regionally-based support.
Independence
- Date : June 1960
- Politically :
Lumumba formed a coalition government with Kasavubu’s Abako Party.
Prime Minister: Patrice Lumumba.
President: Joseph Kasavubu
- How did their political aims differ ?
Lumumba: wanted a strong unitary/centrally controlled government.
Kasavubu: wanted a loose federation where each region would have some autonomy
Civil War
- 5 days after independence units in the Congolese army mutinied:
They demanded the removal of Belgian officers and Africanisation of the army needs to happen.
This led to violence and conflict breaking out in the Congo.
Breakaway of TWO provinces: Katanga (backed by Belgian mining interest) and Kasai (backed by the
USSR).
- The importance of Katanga
Leader: Moise Tshombe.
50% of Congo’s income came from Katanga’s mineral wealth.
NOTE: There were copper mines.
- What was the Belgian response to the breakaway ?:
they sent troops to the Congo to protect 100 000 Belgian nationals
- What was Lumumba's response?:
He saw this as an attempt by Belgium to restore colonial control.
He proceeded to appeal to the UN for military assistance, to help unite the Congo and to withdraw
Belgian forces. The UN did send support but this was not successful due to pressure from the USA.
As a result, Lumumba turned to the USSR who sent agents, technicians and transport vehicles.
The USA and Western nations were SHOCKED by this.
Result: Kasavubu deposed (overthrew) him as Prime Minister
- KEY moment as commander of the army Joseph Mobutu seized power and immediately arrests
Lumumba and expels the Soviets.
- Death of Lumumba: He was murdered and it is though the CIA, Tshombe, Belgians and Mobutu were all
involved in it.
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