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European colonists had better weapons.

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Q: Why did it take so long for the nations of Africa to gain independence?
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How long did it take India to gain independence from Great Britain?

India began to fight for it's independence with the Salt march led by Mohandas Gandhi on March 12, 1930. After many happenings to Gandhi himself and his followers they were able to gain independence on August 15, 1947. Therefore it took India 17 years to gain it's independence.


What happened to Africa after World War 2?

By the end of WWII the primary colonial powers (France, England, etc.) were significantly weakened in the aftermath of a massively costly war, and what little power and resources remained were intended to be focused on European interests and problems. This left Africa, and the many African colonies, essentially free to begin pursuing independence, as they were hardly a concern to the European powers at that time. The drive for independence in Africa was also helped by the 1941 signing of the Atlantic Charter by the majority of the Allied powers. This document, among other things, was about agreeing to a commitment for self-determination for all peoples, i.e. an end to colonialism. Another component of the coming independence for Africa was that many educated Africans returned to their home countries and began to lead campaigns, protests and even rebellions prior to, during, and following WWII. Among these were Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, and later, individuals like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Some nations like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt were already independent long before World War II, however most would gain their independence in a twenty year period from 1950-1970. This was especially true in 1960 when no less than 17 different African nations declared independence, thus this year is commonly referred to as "The Year of Africa." Some nations, like Ghana, were able to secure their independence with more peaceful means, others like Algeria and Kenya were forced to fight to end colonial rule. The social consequences of the influx of independent nations in Africa was, of course, an increase in national power and pride for the continent, as well as representation for the nations therein on the world stage. It has also lead to a great deal of strife and civil unrest, as follows any period of great social upheaval.


Why were third world nations in Latin America Asia and Africa economically poor and politically unstable?

Due to a long history of colonialism they suffered from ethnic conflicts, and a lack of education and technology.


Why did East Africa become an international trading center early in its history?

East Africa began trading with other regions long before European colonization. Evidence of trade networks with nations in Arabia, along the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea is found in Greek writings.


How did India gain its independence from great Britain?

Within two years of the end of World War II, India gained its independence from Great Britain through a wide variety of factors. The primary factors were two in number, however. First was the decades-long struggle of Gandhi and other Indian leaders to demonstrate to the British the senselessness of trying to control a nation of people that was ready for independence. Second was the toll that the war had taken on Great Britain, which lacked the resources and perhaps even the will to retain imperial control of such a large, independence-minded region as India.

Related questions

What people did African gain their independence from?

The people of Africa gained some of their independence from countries like Great Britain. These countries occupied much of Africa and created colonies there.


Who did Algeria gain their independence from?

Algeria gained its independence from France after a long civil war in 1962.


When and How did Africa gain its independence?

This question is not straightforward, it should be specific, by asking in particularly, how various conquered territories in Africa gained independence one after the other. A continent contains countries with separate, sovereign and socio-economic state-hoods. The long and short of this succinct and word-economic explication is that Africa did not, all of a sudden, gain independence as a whole.


How long did it take India to gain independence from Great Britain?

India began to fight for it's independence with the Salt march led by Mohandas Gandhi on March 12, 1930. After many happenings to Gandhi himself and his followers they were able to gain independence on August 15, 1947. Therefore it took India 17 years to gain it's independence.


What three African nations supported Algeria in its long war for independence from France?

Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia


What happened to Africa after World War 2?

By the end of WWII the primary colonial powers (France, England, etc.) were significantly weakened in the aftermath of a massively costly war, and what little power and resources remained were intended to be focused on European interests and problems. This left Africa, and the many African colonies, essentially free to begin pursuing independence, as they were hardly a concern to the European powers at that time. The drive for independence in Africa was also helped by the 1941 signing of the Atlantic Charter by the majority of the Allied powers. This document, among other things, was about agreeing to a commitment for self-determination for all peoples, i.e. an end to colonialism. Another component of the coming independence for Africa was that many educated Africans returned to their home countries and began to lead campaigns, protests and even rebellions prior to, during, and following WWII. Among these were Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, and later, individuals like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Some nations like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt were already independent long before World War II, however most would gain their independence in a twenty year period from 1950-1970. This was especially true in 1960 when no less than 17 different African nations declared independence, thus this year is commonly referred to as "The Year of Africa." Some nations, like Ghana, were able to secure their independence with more peaceful means, others like Algeria and Kenya were forced to fight to end colonial rule. The social consequences of the influx of independent nations in Africa was, of course, an increase in national power and pride for the continent, as well as representation for the nations therein on the world stage. It has also lead to a great deal of strife and civil unrest, as follows any period of great social upheaval.


When did the UK gain its independance?

I guess you could say the Danelaw ending is the closest thing to gaining independence in the British Isles but that wasn't the United Kingdom! The Danelaw happened and ended long before the United Kingdom was formed. :P


To what extent do nations today practice mercantilism?

Having tasted economic independence for too long a period,the American colonist had no desire to return to the mercantilist policies endured by the colonies of the other European nations.


What year did Malaysia gain independence?

Malaysia is an Asian country that gained its independence in the year 1957. This came about after a long period of struggle against various powers including China and Britain.


How did turkey gain independence?

The modern nation of Turkey was founded in 1922. Before that, it was part of the Ottoman Empire, which went through a long period of decline.


Who were the caudillos?

Many Latin American army leaders had gained fame and power during their long struggle for independence. And they controlled the new nations as military dictators, caudillos.


Is Sierra Leone in the UK?

No. It is an independent country in the west of Africa, a long way from the United Kingdom. It was once part of the British Empire, but gained independence in 1961.