How did the Pan African Movement start to alter the world’s opinion about African independence? 2. How did the Africans use World War I and World War II to move their countries toward independence? 3. How did the Christian churches introduced to the Africans help them in their struggle for independence? 4. Which groups had the most to gain by gaining independence for their country? 5. Select one country that had to fight for their independence, and give a short synopsis of the struggle. 6. Why did most of the African countries remain intact despite regional or tribal conflicts?

QUESTION

Comparison of Independence Movements: Nigeria and South Africa
Use the worksheet provided and choose two African countries to compare independence movements. You must use at least five sources, of which two must be primary sources. You may use MyHistoryLab, the University Library, or credible websites to locate primary sources. Primary sources include documents, images, maps, or news reports. If you choose to include images or maps, please include those with your answers to the appropriate question. Each answer should be 90 to 105 words.

1. How did the Pan African Movement start to alter the world’s opinion about African independence?
2. How did the Africans use World War I and World War II to move their countries toward independence?
3. How did the Christian churches introduced to the Africans help them in their struggle for independence?
4. Which groups had the most to gain by gaining independence for their country?
5. Select one country that had to fight for their independence, and give a short synopsis of the struggle.
6. Why did most of the African countries remain intact despite regional or tribal conflicts?
7. Why were the newly established governments generally unable to fulfill the expectations of the citizens?
8. Explain the drift toward centralization of government power in the new countries.
9. What were the major theoretical divisions within the concept of African Socialism?
10. Explain what you consider to be the three main obstacles that the newly created countries had to deal with in order to become safe and sustainable countries.

ANSWER

A Comparative Analysis of Independence Movements: Nigeria and South Africa

Introduction

This essay compares the independence movements of Nigeria and South Africa, shedding light on the factors, events, and challenges that shaped their paths towards liberation. By examining the historical context, political dynamics, and societal factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the unique struggles and achievements of these two African nations.

 The Pan African Movement and Altering World Opinion

The Pan African Movement, initiated by intellectuals and activists like W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey, played a pivotal role in altering the world’s opinion about African independence. Through conferences and publications, the movement highlighted the shared experiences of African people, emphasized their common humanity, and advocated for self-determination and an end to colonial rule. The movement fostered solidarity among Africans and influenced global perceptions, challenging prevailing narratives of African inferiority and fueling support for independence.

 Exploiting World Wars for Independence

Both Nigeria and South Africa strategically used World War I and World War II to advance their quests for independence. Africans participated in these wars, demonstrating their loyalty and sacrifices to their colonial powers. In return, they expected recognition and improved political rights. However, the disparity between their contributions and the lack of corresponding rewards sparked a sense of injustice and intensified demands for self-rule. The wars served as catalysts for increased political mobilization, leading to heightened nationalist movements and calls for independence.

 Role of Christian Churches in the Struggle

Christian churches introduced to Africans played a significant role in their struggle for independence. These churches provided spaces for Africans to gather, organize, and express their aspirations for self-determination. They also served as platforms for fostering a sense of community, unity, and shared values among Africans. Moreover, Christian teachings of equality, dignity, and justice resonated with the aspirations of African nationalists, who drew inspiration and moral support from religious leaders and congregations.

Groups with the Most to Gain from Independence

In both Nigeria and South Africa, various groups had much to gain from gaining independence. Indigenous African populations, who suffered under colonial rule and experienced economic and social marginalization, sought self-governance as a means to reclaim their rights, dignity, and resources. Intellectuals, nationalists, and political leaders emerged as key figures advocating for independence, driven by a vision of political empowerment, economic development, and social justice for their people. Additionally, the rising middle class, comprising professionals, entrepreneurs, and educated individuals, also stood to benefit from independence, anticipating enhanced opportunities and social mobility.

 Struggle for Independence: Nigeria’s Synopsis

Nigeria’s struggle for independence was characterized by political mobilization, negotiations, and nonviolent protests. Led by figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo, Nigerians demanded an end to British colonial rule and the establishment of a self-governing nation. The country witnessed significant milestones such as the formation of political parties, constitutional conferences, and constitutional reforms. Ultimately, Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, becoming Africa’s most populous nation and setting the stage for its subsequent challenges and achievements.

Unity Amidst Regional and Tribal Conflicts

Despite regional or tribal conflicts, most African countries, including Nigeria and South Africa, remained intact due to various factors. The shared colonial experience, cultural ties, and a common desire for self-governance fostered a sense of unity and national identity among diverse ethnic groups. Additionally, visionary leaders played crucial roles in promoting inclusivity, reconciliation, and nation-building efforts, emphasizing the importance of unity and transcending tribal divisions to achieve common goals.

 Unfulfilled Expectations of Newly Established Governments

Newly established governments in Nigeria and South Africa, like many other African nations, faced challenges in meeting

the expectations of their citizens. The transition from colonial rule to self-governance brought high hopes for rapid progress and socio-economic improvements. However, limited resources, entrenched inequalities, and the legacy of colonialism posed formidable obstacles. Moreover, the complexities of nation-building, political rivalries, and competing interests hindered the effective implementation of inclusive policies and development programs, leading to a perception of unfulfilled promises.

 Drift Toward Centralization of Government Power

In the aftermath of independence, many African countries experienced a drift toward centralization of government power. This centralization was driven by various factors, including the need for stability, the desire to consolidate authority, and the aspiration for rapid development. However, this concentration of power sometimes resulted in authoritarian regimes, limited political participation, and a weakening of checks and balances. The struggle to strike a balance between centralized governance and the preservation of democratic principles remains a significant challenge for many post-independence African nations.

Theoretical Divisions within African Socialism

African Socialism, an ideology popular during the post-independence era, had major theoretical divisions. One perspective emphasized a more radical approach, advocating for the redistribution of wealth, nationalization of industries, and collectivist principles. Another perspective embraced a more moderate stance, emphasizing market-based reforms, private enterprise, and a mixed economy. These theoretical divisions reflected the diverse socio-political contexts and ideological debates within African countries, shaping their economic policies and approaches to development.

Obstacles to Becoming Safe and Sustainable Countries

The newly created African countries faced three main obstacles on their path to becoming safe and sustainable nations. First, they had to address the legacy of colonialism, which left deep-rooted socio-economic disparities, institutional weaknesses, and a dependence on external powers. Second, they needed to navigate the complexities of ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity, promoting inclusivity, social cohesion, and national unity. Third, they had to build strong institutions, enhance governance practices, and promote transparency and accountability to ensure effective management of resources and sustainable development.

Conclusion

The independence movements in Nigeria and South Africa were shaped by a multitude of factors, including the Pan African Movement, the impact of world wars, the role of Christian churches, and the aspirations of various groups. Despite challenges and unfulfilled expectations, these nations, like others on the African continent, navigated their paths towards independence, emphasizing unity, national identity, and the pursuit of socio-economic progress. Understanding the complexities and achievements of these independence movements provides valuable insights into the dynamics of post-colonial African societies and their ongoing pursuit of safe, sustainable, and prosperous futures.