WAEC Government 1998 Theory question 107

Theory question 107

Nationalism

Section B (answer two questions only from this section)
(a) Define nationalism
(b) What factors aided the growth of nationalism in Nigeria?

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Model answer

(a) Nationalism is a strong feeling of belonging to and love for one's nation, which in colonial Africa led to the struggle against foreign rule and for self-government.
(b) Racial discrimination and colonial exploitation; Western education and the rise of an educated elite; Christianity's teaching of equality; the press (e.g. West African Pilot, Lagos Daily News); the Second World War (ex-servicemen, the myth of white superiority broken); the Atlantic Charter (1941) right of self-determination; British Labour Party victory (1945); independence of India (1947) and Ghana (1957); pan-African movement and leaders abroad (Garvey, Du Bois); trade unions and the 1945 general strike; formation of political parties; urbanisation; unpopular constitutions (e.g. Richards 1946).

Explanation

Define, then explain at least five factors.