Decolonization of Africa - Essay Example

The paper "Decolonization of Africa" is a delightful example of an essay on history. At the Berlin conference 1884-1885, the Europeans divided the African soil into various partitions with the exception of some areas including Ethiopia and Liberia. As a result of colonization, Africa suffered a lot in terms of its natural resources as well as economic and cultural disparities. 

A number of factors led to the colonization of Africa and made it easier for Europeans to take hold of the African lands. After the end of World War II, it was difficult for the European powers to control their colonies. The Africans started a freedom movement and they wanted to free themselves from European control. Another major factor was the shortage of a number of minerals as well as rubber due to conquests in the Far East. As a result, Africa was forced to compensate for this shortage and this proved to be an advantage for the country. This gave a boost to the industries in Africa and resulted in the creation of new towns and communities. The urban community also grew and there was an increase in the number of trade unions. Most importantly, however, it resulted in higher literacy rates in Africa. In 1941, a discussion on the post-world war resulted in the Atlantic Charter which gave autonomy to colonies. After the war, the African states were given little importance and status and by 1930, there was a struggle of independence by some self-determined, educated leaders including Kenyatta, Nkrumah, Senghor, etc. The ideology of Pan-Africanism was also promoted which involved the unity and support of all Africans as they not only shared a common history but also a common destiny.  Read More