22: Attitudes to Empire - The Role and Influence of Individuals
Reasons Urbanisation/Economic development from WW2. Education. Inspiration from Indian
Nationalism independence. Changed world after WW2 - both main powers are anti-imperialist.
Grew 1947-67 Failings of Britain to govern effectively. Political concessions. Unity and leadership
helped bring disparate people together. Cold War -quest to find moderates to work
with
Kwame 1945 - Helped organise 5th Pan African Congress in London. Formed Convention
Nkrumah People's Party (CPP) in 1949 which pressured British administration to make further
(Ghana) concessions. Led a campaign of 'positive action' (inspired by Gandhi) in early 1950
which lead to mass strikes and rebellions. There was a general strike and boycott of
British goods that lasted 21 days. Nkrumah was imprisoned but during the elections in
1953 the CPP won 35/38 seats. He was released and became Prime Minister between
1953 and 1957 - proved it was possible for indigenous people to rule responsibly. When
independence was gained, he became the first prime minister of Ghana. He
responded to demands for change and understood importance of developing working
relationship with British to gain confidence/ support in order to establish a stable state.
After independence he became a figurehead for African nationalism and helped
coordinate various African independence movements. Advocated Pan-Africanism -
founded the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. He developed economic projects,
but was criticised for spending too much time on Pan-African efforts, and neglecting his
own countries' issues
Nnamdi Helped create National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 and
Azikiwe became its leader. Negotiated with the NPC to establish Nigeria's first government.
(Nigeria) Compromised and won trust of a variety of nationalists as well as the British - crucial in
facilitating the peaceful transition to independence. He managed to persuaded the
British that it was possible for different regional ethnic groups to work successfully
together - British rule was not essential to avoid a civil war
Jomo Kenyatta Kikuyu Central Association (KCA) - set up to defend Kikuyu land holdings. Member of the
(Kenya) President of the Kenya Africa Union (KAU) from 1947. From 1948-51 he toured and
lectured around the country campaigning for the return of land given to white settlers
and for independence. Arrested and imprisoned in response to the Mau Mau rebellion -
despite his connection being unlikely. Elected leader of Kenyan African National Union
from May 1960. After his release in 1961 he began negotiations with the British which led
to independence. Helped force a relatively prosperous capitalist state and oversaw a
peaceful land reform process. - able to work with the British who were seeking
moderates, especially after the Mau Mau rebellion
Hastings Spoke against colonialism and advocated independence. Toured the CAF urging
Banda people to become members of the Nyasaland African Congress and was received
(Malawi) enthusiastically whenever he spoke. Arrested when state of emergency was declared.
Released from prison and invited to London for talks of independence. Appointed PM
of Nyasaland and chose the name Malawi.
Kenneth Formed the Zambian African National Congress in 1958. President of the United National
Kaunda Independence Party (UNIP) in 1960. Encouraged a 'Cha-Cha-Cha' campaign of civil
(Zambia) disobedience - warned he would make Mau Mau look like a child's picnic. Led Zambia
to independence as he helped Britain recognise that black majority rule was irresistible
Ian Smith Elected to S. Rhodesian Parliament in 1948. Supported proposed CAF. Formed the
(Rhodesia) Rhodesian Front Party (RF) and became PM in 1964. Fearful of black majority rule he
declared UDI in 1965 - claiming independence from Britain before it was granted
Milton Obote A member of the Uganda National Congress. In 1957 he was elected to the Colonial
(Uganda) Legislative Council. Britain was unwilling to grant independence too fast but he
manoeuvred between different political factions. Appointed PM of independent
Uganda in 1962. After independence he became tainted by power and the state
became ridden with violence and corruption
Julius Nyerere Tanganyikan African Nationalist Union which had massive support. Demanded self-
(Tanzania) government and threatened strikes and boycotts - non-violence inspired by Gandhi.
Elected to the Legislative Council in 1958-59 elections. Negotiated with British for
independence. Tanganyika had little economic/strategic advantage to Britain -
prepared to grant it independence
Onn Jaafar Founded moderate United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Campaigned
(Malaya) against Malay Union est. by the British (1946) which was dissolved. Organised rallies,
amassed public support. Worked with MCA to oppose the MCP during 'The Malayan
Reasons Urbanisation/Economic development from WW2. Education. Inspiration from Indian
Nationalism independence. Changed world after WW2 - both main powers are anti-imperialist.
Grew 1947-67 Failings of Britain to govern effectively. Political concessions. Unity and leadership
helped bring disparate people together. Cold War -quest to find moderates to work
with
Kwame 1945 - Helped organise 5th Pan African Congress in London. Formed Convention
Nkrumah People's Party (CPP) in 1949 which pressured British administration to make further
(Ghana) concessions. Led a campaign of 'positive action' (inspired by Gandhi) in early 1950
which lead to mass strikes and rebellions. There was a general strike and boycott of
British goods that lasted 21 days. Nkrumah was imprisoned but during the elections in
1953 the CPP won 35/38 seats. He was released and became Prime Minister between
1953 and 1957 - proved it was possible for indigenous people to rule responsibly. When
independence was gained, he became the first prime minister of Ghana. He
responded to demands for change and understood importance of developing working
relationship with British to gain confidence/ support in order to establish a stable state.
After independence he became a figurehead for African nationalism and helped
coordinate various African independence movements. Advocated Pan-Africanism -
founded the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. He developed economic projects,
but was criticised for spending too much time on Pan-African efforts, and neglecting his
own countries' issues
Nnamdi Helped create National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 and
Azikiwe became its leader. Negotiated with the NPC to establish Nigeria's first government.
(Nigeria) Compromised and won trust of a variety of nationalists as well as the British - crucial in
facilitating the peaceful transition to independence. He managed to persuaded the
British that it was possible for different regional ethnic groups to work successfully
together - British rule was not essential to avoid a civil war
Jomo Kenyatta Kikuyu Central Association (KCA) - set up to defend Kikuyu land holdings. Member of the
(Kenya) President of the Kenya Africa Union (KAU) from 1947. From 1948-51 he toured and
lectured around the country campaigning for the return of land given to white settlers
and for independence. Arrested and imprisoned in response to the Mau Mau rebellion -
despite his connection being unlikely. Elected leader of Kenyan African National Union
from May 1960. After his release in 1961 he began negotiations with the British which led
to independence. Helped force a relatively prosperous capitalist state and oversaw a
peaceful land reform process. - able to work with the British who were seeking
moderates, especially after the Mau Mau rebellion
Hastings Spoke against colonialism and advocated independence. Toured the CAF urging
Banda people to become members of the Nyasaland African Congress and was received
(Malawi) enthusiastically whenever he spoke. Arrested when state of emergency was declared.
Released from prison and invited to London for talks of independence. Appointed PM
of Nyasaland and chose the name Malawi.
Kenneth Formed the Zambian African National Congress in 1958. President of the United National
Kaunda Independence Party (UNIP) in 1960. Encouraged a 'Cha-Cha-Cha' campaign of civil
(Zambia) disobedience - warned he would make Mau Mau look like a child's picnic. Led Zambia
to independence as he helped Britain recognise that black majority rule was irresistible
Ian Smith Elected to S. Rhodesian Parliament in 1948. Supported proposed CAF. Formed the
(Rhodesia) Rhodesian Front Party (RF) and became PM in 1964. Fearful of black majority rule he
declared UDI in 1965 - claiming independence from Britain before it was granted
Milton Obote A member of the Uganda National Congress. In 1957 he was elected to the Colonial
(Uganda) Legislative Council. Britain was unwilling to grant independence too fast but he
manoeuvred between different political factions. Appointed PM of independent
Uganda in 1962. After independence he became tainted by power and the state
became ridden with violence and corruption
Julius Nyerere Tanganyikan African Nationalist Union which had massive support. Demanded self-
(Tanzania) government and threatened strikes and boycotts - non-violence inspired by Gandhi.
Elected to the Legislative Council in 1958-59 elections. Negotiated with British for
independence. Tanganyika had little economic/strategic advantage to Britain -
prepared to grant it independence
Onn Jaafar Founded moderate United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Campaigned
(Malaya) against Malay Union est. by the British (1946) which was dissolved. Organised rallies,
amassed public support. Worked with MCA to oppose the MCP during 'The Malayan
