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Topic 3 - African and Asian Nationalism - Junior Cycle History - Question 3 - 2015
Question 3
Topic 3 - African and Asian Nationalism. (i) Give two reasons why European countries began to give up their colonies after 1945. (ii) Give an account of the strugg... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Topic 3 - African and Asian Nationalism - Junior Cycle History - Question 3 - 2015
Step 1
Give two reasons why European countries began to give up their colonies after 1945.
Answer
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Vigorous Independence Campaigns: After 1945, many colonies were marked by vigorous independence campaigns. Colonized nations increasingly demanded sovereignty and mobilized mass movements that pressured European colonial powers to reconsider their positions. The strong resolve among the colonized populations made it difficult for European nations to maintain control.
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Weakening of European Powers: The aftermath of World War II significantly weakened European countries both economically and politically. Many nations could no longer afford to sustain their colonial empires, as they were dealing with the repercussions of war. This loss of strength made it easier for them to grant independence rather than to resist continuing colonial governance.
Step 2
Give an account of the struggle for independence of a named African or Asian country after 1945.
Answer
The struggle for independence of Ghana serves as a notable example of post-1945 movements in Africa. After World War II, many Ghanaians began to articulate their desire for self-governance through political movements, most notably under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah and his Convention People's Party (CPP).
In 1947, the CPP organized a series of protests advocating for self-rule. Repression from colonial authorities ensued, but Nkrumah's message resonated widely, drawing significant popular support. By 1951, the CPP won a significant electoral victory, leading to the formation of a government, although full independence was not yet achieved.
The struggle intensified, with more political unrest through the 1950s. On March 6, 1957, following negotiations and continued pressure for self-governance, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule, marking a significant moment in the continent's decolonization efforts. The leadership of Nkrumah and the unwavering commitment of the Ghanaian people were instrumental in this successful transition from colonial rule to independence.