14. Decolonization & African Independence
1. How events unfolded
After World War II, independence movements challenged European rule through elections, strikes, negotiations and armed conflict. Ghana’s independence in 1957 became a landmark; Algeria’s war with France demonstrated the enormous civilian cost of a more violent transition.
2. The costs & gains
New governments inherited institutions designed for colonial administration and export production. Leaders faced pressure to build schools, health systems and national infrastructure while negotiating debt, commodity prices and Cold War competition. Some expanded services; others became authoritarian or experienced coups.
3. What endured
The decisive question was not independence alone but whether political authority could be converted into accountable institutions and broad economic opportunity. Success and failure varied sharply between countries and across decades.