Lesson 3: Independence Movements in Africa (The Postwar World)

📣 The Call for Independence

After World War II, African people began to say, “We want freedom!” 🗽

For many years, European countries controlled Africa. They took land, gold, and people. But after the war, Africans said:
“We can rule ourselves.” ✊

Story Time: In Ghana, a young leader named Kwame Nkrumah made big speeches. He said, “Africa must be free!” People cheered. He even went to jail—but when he came out, he became Ghana’s first leader!

British Colonies

Britain ruled many countries, like Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

Sometimes, independence was peaceful. Ghana got freedom in 1957—the first African country to become free. 🎉

But in Kenya, it was not peaceful. The Mau Mau fighters wanted land back. They fought the British. Many people died, but in 1963, Kenya became free too.

Fun Fact: Ghana’s new flag had a black star, like a symbol of hope for all of Africa. ⭐

French Colonies

France ruled Algeria, Senegal, Mali, and more.

France didn’t want to lose its colonies. In Algeria, the fight was very hard. It lasted 8 years (1954–1962). Over a million people died. 😢

Story Time: Many Algerians lived in France but were treated badly. One young man returned to Algeria and said, “We will fight for our country.” He became a hero of the revolution.

Some other French colonies voted to be independent peacefully. In 1960, many French African nations got their freedom. That year was called “The Year of Africa.” 🎆

Belgian & 🇵🇹 Portuguese Colonies

Belgium – Congo

Belgium ruled a large area called the Congo. They didn’t want the people to learn too much. But people still wanted freedom.

In 1960, Congo became free—but there were problems. The first leader, Patrice Lumumba, was killed in a power struggle. The army took over, and Congo had many hard years. 😞

Fun Fact: Congo had only 17 college graduates when it became independent! It was like giving someone a plane but no training to fly it. ✈️

Portugal – Angola & Mozambique

Portugal didn’t want to let go. In Angola and Mozambique, people had to fight for years—until 1975! 💣

Story Time: In Mozambique, women also joined the fight. One woman carried both a baby and a gun. She said, “I fight so my child will be free.”

🌍 Africa Finds Its Voice

By the 1970s, most of Africa was free. But freedom was just the first step. Many countries had hard times: war, poverty, or bad leaders.

Still, the people of Africa said:
“This is our home. This is our future.” 🌅