African+Democracy

__ The Philippines Achieves Independence __ || ||    2.   The Gold Coast changed its name to Ghana after its independence in 1957, but was crippled by the costly projects launched by Nkrumah 3.  Nkrumah was criticized for neglecting economic problems and in 1966 the army seized power. Since then, the rule has fluctuated between the civilians and the military with an ever instable economy ||
 * Page 579: Chapter 18 section 3 New Nations in Africa ||
 * 1) The Negritude Movement was formed to celebrate African culture and heritage and was part of a push for African Independence
 * 2) During WWII, Africans fought beside Europeans to “defend freedom”. This experience led to both sides questioning the nature of colonial rule, which helped African colonies gain freedom throughout the 50s and 60s
 * 3) Colonies under indirect rule gained freedom easier than those under direct rule
 * 4) African nations struggled to become stable because the effects of colonization had overall destabilized their traditional societal structures ||
 * __Ghana__ __Leads the Way__
 * 1) Gold Coast was first African colony south of Sahara to achieve independence, helped by the nonviolent movement led by Kwame Nkrumah (later became first prime minister  à  president for life).
 * __ Fighting for Freedom __ || # British were forced to accept Kenyan self-government as a result of two developments – Kenyan nationalist Jomo Kenyatta and the Mau Mau (secret farmer society).
 * 1) Thousands of people were killed but again the government was corrupt and not very successful.
 * 2) French refused to share political power with native Algerians, who declared they would fight for independence. Both group lost great amounts of people but Algeria won in 1962
 * 3) People attempted to modernize and industrialize the nation but the instability contributed to the rise of religious fundamentalists who wanted to make Algeria Islamic. Islam won elections in 1991 but ruling government refused to accept results – war continues on and off today. ||
 * __ Civil War in Congo and Angola __ || # The Belgian Congo was the most exploited African country and was plundered for its rubber and copper. There were no preparations made for independence, so when it was granted there was a great upheaval.
 * 1) Colonel Joseph Mobutu seized power and maintained order through a combination of force, one-party rule and gifts to supporters. He was overthrown in 1997 after months of civil war and the country was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
 * 2) Kabila (next president) promised a transition to democracy and free elections by April 1999 which never happened. He was assassinated by a bodyguard after more civil warring and his son took over which led to a ceasefire.
 * 3) Portuguese did not want to give up rule over Angola but the cost of conflict rose to nearly half of Portugal’s national budget, so they withdrew from Angola in 1975
 * 4) Communist MPLA declared itself the new nations rightful government which led to a prolonged civil war. the two sides (MPLA and UNITA) agreed to and abandoned various cease-fire agreements, and finally signed a peace accord in 2002. ||