Student Question
How did World War II influence post-war nationalism in Africa?
Quick answer:
World War II significantly influenced post-war nationalism in Africa by highlighting European vulnerabilities and challenging the notion of European superiority. The war prompted European powers to promise increased rights to Africans in exchange for their support, raising expectations for post-war change. Additionally, the emergence of an international system led by the United States, which opposed colonialism, increased pressure on European nations to decolonize, fostering a stronger sense of nationalism among Africans.
This happened in a number of ways.
First, the war revealed to Africans the fallacious nature of the idea that the Europeans were superior to the Africans. Any continent that could let itself get devastated by two huge wars in thirty years could hardly be seen as morally superior.
Second, the war led to many promises to Africans. The British and French needed the help of their African colonies to win the war. They needed the people to work willingly to do things like extracting resources that would be needed for the war. To get cooperation, they made promises about increased rights for Africans. This created a sense of heightened expectations after the war.
Finally, the war led to an international system led by the United States. The US disapproved of colonialism and was not typically willing to support its allies' desire to have colonies. This put more pressure on the French and British to give up their colonies and gave the Africans more of a sense that their time had come.
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