Theory question 107
NationalismSection B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
Highlight the external factors that aided the Nationalists in their struggle for political independence.
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The Second World War: African soldiers saw that Europeans could be defeated, and the war weakened Britain and France.
The Atlantic Charter (1941) promised all peoples the right to self-determination.
The UN Charter and its anti-colonial stand; the Trusteeship system.
Independence of India and Pakistan (1947) and later Ghana (1957) inspired others.
Pressure from the USA and USSR against colonialism.
The British Labour Party's support for self-government.
The Pan-African movement (Pan-African Congresses, Garvey, Du Bois) and West African Students' Union.
Ideas of liberty and democracy learnt by Africans educated abroad.
Economic hardship in the colonies after the depression and war.
Highlight each factor briefly.