Liberia successfully resisted colonization because of an alliance with the United States ( Apex 2021)
The Maroons were descendants of African slaves who escaped captivity in the Caribbean. They formed their own communities in remote, often mountainous regions and successfully resisted recapture by colonial authorities.
Throughout the colonial era, Liberia and Ethiopia were two notable areas in Africa that remained unconquered by European powers. Liberia was founded by freed American slaves and maintained its independence, while Ethiopia successfully resisted colonization, notably defeating Italy at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. These nations symbolize African resilience and sovereignty during a time of widespread colonial expansion.
One prominent leader who successfully led an African tribe against British colonizers was Samori Ture, the founder of the Wassoulou Empire in West Africa. He resisted French colonial expansion in the late 19th century, effectively utilizing guerrilla tactics and forming alliances with other tribes. His resistance lasted for over a decade, making him a significant figure in the struggle against European imperialism. Ultimately, he was captured in 1898, but his legacy as a symbol of resistance endures.
Cultural, outsider
after WWII
European countries resisted African colonial nationalism primarily to maintain their economic interests and political control over the territories they had colonized. They feared that granting independence would lead to the loss of valuable resources, markets, and strategic advantages. Additionally, European powers often believed in their own cultural superiority and viewed the nationalist movements as threats to the established order and their colonial ideologies. This resistance manifested in various forms, including military intervention and diplomatic maneuvers, to suppress nationalist movements and maintain colonial rule.
Ethiopia and Sudan
after WWII
The Kingdom of Ethiopia was not involved in the Scramble for Africa, as it successfully resisted colonization during this period. Notably, Ethiopia defeated Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, securing its sovereignty and maintaining independence. This victory allowed Ethiopia to remain one of the few African nations not colonized by European powers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The two African colonies that remained independent during the period of European colonialism were Liberia and Ethiopia. Liberia was founded in the early 19th century as a settlement for freed American slaves, while Ethiopia successfully resisted colonization, notably defeating Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. Both nations maintained their sovereignty throughout the colonial era, although Ethiopia faced occupation during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War from 1935 to 1941.
African reactions to European encounters varied widely depending on the context and time period. Some groups engaged in trade and diplomacy, seeking to benefit from European goods and technologies, while others resisted through military conflict and rebellion against colonial encroachment. Many African societies adapted to or adopted elements of European culture, while others fiercely maintained their traditions and autonomy. Overall, the responses were complex and shaped by local circumstances, power dynamics, and the specific actions of European powers.