History of Africa Time Line by william

1884-1905

williamcooksey2003 — 2015-11-12 01:32:07 UTC

During the Scramble for Africa in the late nineteenth century, European powers divided Africa and its resources into political partitions at the Berlin Conference of 1884-85. By 1905, African soil was almost completely controlled by European governments, with the only exceptions being Liberia (which had been settled by African-American former slaves) and Ethiopia (which had successfully resisted colonization by Italy). Britain and France had the largest holdings, but Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal also had colonies. As a result of colonialism and imperialism, Africa suffered long term effects, such as the loss of important natural resources like gold and rubber, economic devastation, cultural confusion, geopolitical division, and political subjugation. Europeans often justified this using the concept of the White Man's Burden, an obligation to "civilize" the peoples of Africa.

1939-1945

williamcooksey2003 — 2015-11-12 01:34:49 UTC

World War II saw the colonies help their colonial masters fight against an unfamiliar enemy, but with no mention of independence for African nations. Prime Ministers of South Africa supported Adolf Hitler while most French colonial governors loyally supported the French government until 1943. Africa became an important source of natural resources which led to new industries and towns. Unions followed, as did better education and increased literacy rates.

1947

williamcooksey2003 — 2015-11-12 01:41:51 UTC

Great changes were taking place in other parts of the world. European colonies in Asia were demanding better treatment from the Europeans. This added fuel to the ever growing flame of nationalism in Africa. At the same time the independence of India and Palistine from the British added even more fuel to the flames. The African people thought that showed what they could have in their economic future.

1940-1950

williamcooksey2003 — 2015-11-12 01:59:57 UTC

African nationalist movements had formed in countries with european settlers. These parties sought peaceful constitutonal change. They wanted the settlers to recognize the rights of the African population. They used non-violent tactics. One of their demand slogans was "one man one vote".

1897

williamcooksey2003 — 2015-11-12 02:15:12 UTC

Pan-africanism started around the start of the 20th century. The movement of Pan-Africanism constituted mainly of black intellectuals. This movement demanded that African countries should be able to govern themselves. They also demanded unity among all black people.

European Response To Pan Africanism

williamcooksey2003 — 2015-11-12 02:34:58 UTC

The settler colonial governments responded to the non-violent constitutional demands of African nationalist parties with violence and with laws that banned all political protests.

1963-2002

williamcooksey2003 — 2015-11-12 02:49:57 UTC

31 leaders of independent African countries joined together to form the Organization of African Unity. The Organization of African Unity, otherwise known as the OAU, was formed to establish guide lines and facilitate strong relations within all the African states. They sought to defend the independent states and encourage the end of colonialsim in the other African states. Although they were unable to stop conflicts directly, they were sucessful in helping to eventually eradicate colonialism. Most states were mebers of the OAU when it disbanded in 2002.

2002-Present

williamcooksey2003 — 2015-11-12 03:03:22 UTC

The African Union, (AU), replaced the OAU in 2002. The AU includes all 54 African countries except Morocco. The objectives of the AU are to provide peace, prosperity, and security, and to improve the lives of all Africans. The capital of the African Union is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The AU has miltary power and can intervene in member states. The AU faces many challeges including health issues, political unrest, and low standards of living still experienced by many Aficans today.