Theory question 107
NationalismSection B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
State how the British colonial policies contributed to the rise of nationalism in West Africa.
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Exclusion of educated Africans from top posts in the civil service.
Racial discrimination in jobs, pay and social life.
Indirect rule, which favoured chiefs over the educated elite.
Heavy taxation and forced labour.
Economic exploitation: low produce prices, control of trade by European firms.
Imposed constitutions with little African representation (e.g. Richards 1946).
Western education, which spread ideas of freedom and equality.
Use of Africans in the World Wars, which exposed the myth of white superiority.
Neglect of development and social amenities.
Repressive laws: press censorship, deportation of critics.
Link each policy to the nationalist reaction.