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TOPIC 2
NATIONALISM
AND DECOLONIZATION IN AFRICA
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NOTES 1
Nationalism is the desire for Africans to end all forms of
foreign control and influence so as to able to take charge of their political,
social and political affairs.
Or, it is the process of uniting and regaining freedom from European
rule, but it was also defined by pioneer African leaders to mean the creation
of new nations as well as their economic and political transformation.
The
origin of nationalism in Africa is traced back to the era of colonialism and
primary African resistance against colonial rule by the mid of 19th
century. The increase of exploitation resulted to nationalistic struggle. Its
origin and basis were of two perspectives: These are based on reflection of the
ancient and modern based on recent phenomena characterized by structural
conditions of modern society.
During the 1950s and 1960s, when Africans began to seriously
resist colonial rule, Africa underwent a major transformation and each colony
eventually gained its freedom. Africans, in general, united in hopes of
regaining their sovereignty.
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| Kenneth Kaunda (Zambia), Samora Machel (Mozambique) & Julius Nyerere (Tanganyika) |
Importance of Nationalism
1. To gain political sovereignty i.e. self
determination by opposing imperial occupation of the European
colonialist.
2. To spread political awareness to African
against white economic exploitation the imperialist extended excessive
oppression and exploitation to the Africans, heavy taxation, land alienation
and forced labour.
3. To bring various African
ethnic groups to form unity and solidarity to fight their grievances and this
was to be achieved through formation of political parties.
4. To remove the element of
European capitalism and its related evil and adopt new afrocentric views of
Marxism.
5. To spread the African
culture and fight out foreign culture that had been promoted by the
colonialism, like language, dressing, table manners among others.
6. To remove inferior
complex among the Africans and to appreciate the effort of liberating
themselves from European domination
Nationalism
before 1945
In the
first decade of colonial rule most East African communities experienced only
spasmodic contacts with the white men. But by the mid of 1920's,the activities
of the government officials, missionaries and settlers were beginning impinge
or to affect much more direct on the lives of many Africans. Acts like land
alienation, forced labour, injustice and taxation now were affecting the
Africans more.
The
struggle for self determination and resistance against the intruders began in
Africa immediately after the inception of colonialism around 1890's.
The
African started to resist colonial domination in the early time e.g. Abushiri
and Bwana Heri in Tanganyika, Shona and Ndebele in Zimbabwe, as well as Nama
and Herero in Namibia.
The African resistance was of three kinds;
- Passive resistance
- Collaborative resistance
- Active resistance
However,
the period and intensity in which the early African resistance occurred in
various societies depended on the intensity of colonial activities and its
impact.
For
example as early as the 1890's the people of Ghana had already formed the Gold
Coast Aborigine‟s Right protection society which was to fight against laws
which had been enacted to exploit African land.
Also in
1920 the biggest welfare association in the region was the National Congress of
British West Africa in Accra. It was largely formed by the emerging African
elites who wanted increased and effective representation in various organs of
the state especially in the legislature.
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| African Resistance |
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF NATIONALISM
These were internal grievances that emerged after the
establishment of colonialism and economy. These affected Africans economically,
socially, politically and culturally.
A. Internal
Factors which Influenced Nationalism
1. Economic Factors
i) Forced labour, to work on the colonial plantations to provide cheep labor
any African who resisted was punished heavily
ii) Imposition of heavy taxes as to initiate money economy taxes like hut tax, poll tax, matiti tax were introduced as to force the indigenous to work in the plantation cattle confiscation as to deny African from engaging in other economic activities and resort on supplying cheep labor.
iii) Land alienation to keep African away from practicing their substance agriculture and begun to supply cheep labor in plantation.
iv) Loss of control of their trade, like long distance trade and Trans Saharan trade as well as the introduction of the so called legitimate trade.
v) Destruction of African agriculture which was self sustaining that based on the needs of Africa and in place cash crop plantation was introduced.
ii) Imposition of heavy taxes as to initiate money economy taxes like hut tax, poll tax, matiti tax were introduced as to force the indigenous to work in the plantation cattle confiscation as to deny African from engaging in other economic activities and resort on supplying cheep labor.
iii) Land alienation to keep African away from practicing their substance agriculture and begun to supply cheep labor in plantation.
iv) Loss of control of their trade, like long distance trade and Trans Saharan trade as well as the introduction of the so called legitimate trade.
v) Destruction of African agriculture which was self sustaining that based on the needs of Africa and in place cash crop plantation was introduced.
2. Political Factors
i) Destruction of traditional setup and evolution is denial of representation in legislative council
i) Destruction of traditional setup and evolution is denial of representation in legislative council
ii) Destruction of traditional African kingdoms and chief- doms made Africans to find how to regain their political freedom
3. Social Factors
i) Colonial injustice and oppression like long working hours, social abuses and separation of men from their families
ii) Heavy punishment like chopping off ribs of the Africans in case of the
Congo colony under Belgium, corporal punishment in Tanganyika under Curl Peter.
iii) Racism and segregation of Africans, by insulting them by their color and
making them the third grade citizens or their own land.
iv) Destruction of African values and traditions and implanting foreign
culture like religion,language, education and culture.
4. Cultural Factors
European colonialist denounced African traditions such as
polygamy, dances, religions, and women circumcision. These precipitated
Nationalism struggle by the Africans.
5. The Role of Colonialism Education
These produced educated elites or Nationalistic leaders
such as Julius Nyerere and Kwame Nkrumah who mobilized their fellows to fight
against colonialism.
6. Italy–Ethiopian Conflict
The defeat of the Italians by Ethiopia in 1935 gave
Africans more confidence in struggle against colonialism.
Kwame
Nkurumah (Ghana), Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), Nnamdi Azikiwe (Nigeria) and Kamuzu
Banda (Malawi)
B. External Factors which Influenced Nationalism
1. The impact of world wars. Africans ex-soldiers learned
military techniques and become leaders because when they came back they were in
the forefront in mobilizing their fellow Africans to fight for independence.
2. The rise of UNO. This pressurized the colonizing
powers to permit people to rule themselves and supported Nationalist leaders
e.g. J.K Nyerere.
3. The rise of U.S.S.R. She wanted to spread socialism
all over the world. Therefore she started to support freedom movements in
Africa sometimes through direct material and rival support and sometimes
through veto power in U.N.O. She supplied military training to African
soldiers, armies and freedom fighters. This speeded up the national struggles
in the colonies.
4. Independence of Ghana 1957; created awareness to other
African countries to struggle for independence.
5. The rise of U.S.A. Americans persuaded European power
to decolonize their colonies through Marshal Plan / open door policy. U.S.A
supported Nationalistic struggles in African morally and materially to prevent
the spread of communism.
6. The role of Bandung conference. The Bandung conference
which held in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955 declared colonialism in its all manifestations
is an evil which should be put into an end. It called upon the colonizing power
to grant independence to colonial people. The conference created solidarity
among the nationalistic movements.
7. Independence of Indian 1947. It was very important to Nationalistic
struggle in Africa because Africans learn that;
i. The independence could be won peacefully.
ii. There is potential in Nationalistic.
iii. Many congresses similar to those of Indian were
formed in African.
iv. African Nationalists leaders learn a lot from Mahatma
Gandhi of India.
Angolan 1st President Agostinho Neto thanking
Cuban President Fidel Castro for much support in achieving Angola Independence
in 1975
FORMS OF NATIONALISTIC STRUGGLES IN AFRICA
From 1919 –1940s Nationalistic struggles changed from
wars of resistances to formation of social welfare associations.
SOCIAL WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS
Social and welfare associations were groups which were
formed by Africans who were working in different sectors of colonial economy
such as agriculture, industries.
Reasons for the Rise of
Social and Welfare Associations
Social and welfare associations were formed to remove;
1. Colonial exploitation.
2. Colonial discrimination.
3. Poor working conditions.
4. Low payment. Forced labor.
5. Land alienation.
All these affected the members of the group. The major
aim of social and welfare association was to create colonial government that
would respect Africans’ rights rather than demanding for independence.
Forms of Social and Welfare
Associations
1. INDEPENDENT
CHURCHES / RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS
1. These were churches which were made by Africans out of
churches formed by Missionaries.
2. They opposed European church leaders who discriminated
African church leadership and despise African customs like polygamy and female
circumcision.
3. They also opposed land alienation, forced labor,
involvement of Africans in European wars.
Examples of Independence Churches
were;
1. Kikuyu independent church formed in 1929 by David
Maina (Kenya)
2. Religion of spirit –“Dini ya masambwa” formed by
Elijah Masinde which opposed colonialism and foreign religion (Kenya).
3. Watch tower church and African National
church-Tanzania.
4. Province Industrial Mission Church formed by John
Chilembwe in Malawi.
Factors for Rise of Independent Churches
1. Missionaries didn’t value and accommodate African ways
of worship.
2. Africans regarded Missionaries as agents of
colonialism.
3. Africans were upset by Missionary teachings which were
against African traditions and customs.
4. Colonial exploitation such as forced labor, taxation
and discrimination in the provision of social services.
Strength of Independent
Churches Movements
1. Drew
attention to African grievance e.g. political and social injustices.
2. Stimulated
moral and courage towards fighting for National independence.
3. Helped
to convey message of freedom.
4. Created
unity to all Africans to fight for their rights.
5. Made
Africans aware of European exploitation.
Therefore African independent church played big role in
the African struggle for independence.
Weakness of Independence
Churches
1. They lacked enough funds because they depended on few
followers contributions.
2. They faced constant competition from Missionaries for
followers.
3. They faced strong opposition from the missionaries and
colonial government. African church leaders were arrested and some churches
were closed.
4. They lacked well trained personnel to run the church
efficiently.
2. WORKERS ASSOCIATION/TRADE UNIONS
These were formed by workers to address their grievances
such as low education, low wages, poor health facilities, lack of
representatives in local council and discrimination at working places.
Example of Workers’
Associations
1. Tanganyika Territory civil servant Association
(T.T.C.S.A)
2. Formed in 1922 in Tanga by Martin Kayamba.
3. African association 1929 which became TAA- 1948 Kenya.
4. Young Kavirondo association formed by students lead by
their teacher Jonathan Okwir.
5. Kikuyu central association formed in 1924 by Joseph
Kangethe. Its demands were
- To end land alienation and discrimination.
- To allow Africans to grow cotton and coffee.
- It condemned missionary church which prevents female
circumcision. In 1928 Jomo Kenyatta became its secretary.
These demanded abolition of Kipande system, decrease hut
and poll tax, exclude women in taxation and eliminate force labor.
3. TRIBAL
ASSOCIATIONS
These were ethnic organizations formed by member of a
certain tribe to address specific grievance in tribe such as poor health,
education and absence of representatives in local council.
4. PEASANT
ASSOCIATIONS
These were formed by farmers to air their grievances e.g.
Low price for their crops. Example Kilimanjaro native planters association formed
by Joseph Merinyo in 1925, Kikuyu association, The Young Buganda association
founded in 1920.
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| Struggle for Independence |
RISE OF MASS NATIONALISM AND POLITICAL PARTIES IN AFRICA
Mass nationalism is the mass feeling and attitude of
demanding independence by using a nationalist struggle in form of unified
parties beyond the class, tribe or ethnic back ground
Reasons for the Rise of Mass Nationalism
1. The colonial governments denied African the right to
rule themselves. The colonial governments used puppet African chiefs as African
political leaders, hence majority of Africans were deprived of the right to
elect their leaders democratically.
2. The colonial governments introduced harsh and forced
tax payment procedures to the Africans. African workers were over exploited
through payment of very low wages and salaries that made them live in
devastating conditions. For example in Mozambique and Tanganyika messengers,
teachers, clerks and soldiers worked in poor conditions and were lowly paid.
3. Religious, the colonial government and other Europeans
living in Africa were strongly against African traditional beliefs and forced
Africans to join Christianity through their missionary teachings.
4. They used their education and other skills acquired
from the colonial system to demand independence and rebelled by formulating to
know how to read, write and simple arithmetic while they maintained their African
Cultural practices. Examples of independent schools are those formulated by the
kikuyu in Kenya
5. The over exploitation of Africans by the colonial
governments, After the end of the second world war, the colonial governments
emphasized on the use of forced labour as an effect of the great depression which
affected their economies in their home countries Great depression which
affected their economies in their home countries.
POLITICAL PARTIES IN AFRICA
The Strengths of Political Parties
in Africa
1. The political parties arose awareness among different
groups of Africans- This was done through political rallies, propaganda
newspapers, and organized boycott for example CPP of Ghana encouraged Ghanaians
to boycott the colonialists.
2. The political parties had a major duty of unifying the
masses to fight a common enemy, which was colonialism. The political to fight a
common enemy, which was colonialism, the political parties used youth and women
to unify the masses at the grassroots to fight their common enemy. For example CCP
of Ghana under Nkrumah and TANU of Tanganyika. They had youth and women groups
to support them in fulfilling their goals of bringing independence.
3. The use of peaceful means to fight for independence
unlike armed struggle which led to loss ofmany African lives and property
destructions
Weakness of Political Parties in Africa
1. The colonial government crated restrictions to
political parties. They created restrictions in order to limit their activities
and slow down the decolonization process. For example the British colonial government
restricted government workers from being members of TANU in Tanganyika.
2. Opposition among political parties within individual
African countries, each political party competing against the other to the
extent of conducting campaigns against the other instead of joining hands in
fighting their common enemy. The major causes of such rivalry were ethnism,
regionalism.
3. Many political parties faced financial constraints,
this was due to its members who were poor and unable to contribute the money
required for various political activities.
4. Political parties lacked the support of other
organizations such as women, youth, farmer associations in their move of
propagating the decolonization process in Africa.
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| TANU members (From Left): John Rupia, Julius Nyerere, Zuberi Mtemvu, and those Standing behind them are the BANTU Group Youth Guards of TANU Leaders |
STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE IN KENYA
Kenya nationalism was dominated by the rise of political
parties and the emergence of Mau Mau freedom fighters.
KANU (Kenya African National Union)
Was formed in 1944 by Eliud Mahu a member of Legco. It
demanded increase of African representatives in legco; then Harry Thuki became
the chairman but handled over the leadership to James Gichuru in 1945. In 1946
Kenyatta became the pre salient of the party. The party was mainly Kikuyu and had
no strength beyond the central province. It was not possible for KANU to
mobilize many people who were not literate and European hated many people who
were not literate also European hated the party. The party was burned in 1952.
MAUMAU
MauMau was armed struggle against the White settlers in
Kenya in 1952-1960 aimed at bringing independence quickly. The group was stated
by KAU extreme must and ex-soldiers by the colonial government so African
fought to remove such oppressive actions over them.
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| Mau Mau Warriors |
Causes of MauMau Movement
1. Land alienation: Colonial government alienated African
land and gave it to the European settlers for production of cash crops and
settlement. This made Africans to fight for the lost land.
2. Forced labour;Africans were forced to work in
settler’s farms colonial government ensured constant supply of African labour
by passing various labour ordinances e.g. Native master relation labor
ordinance of 1921 which required African to carry identity (Kipande system) to
show completion of a task in settler’s farm. This annoyed Africans.
3. Taxation imposed on African led to the outbreak of
MauMau. The people were highly taxed and those who failed were punished British
learnt a lesson that their administrative created grievance and discontent among
the African.
Effects of MauMau Movement
1. Depopulation More than 13,000 people - Asians,
civilians,Europeans and freedom fighter lost their lives.
2. Many people were forced into reserves and detention
camps where they suffered harsh treatments and bad living conditions.
3. It created fear and worries of being killed especially
in the central province where most fighting took place.
4. MauMau forced the British to speed up independence to
other colonies e.g. Tanganyika.
5. It brought high costs amounting to pounds 50,000 to
Kenya colonial government and the British as underground movement in Nairobi in
1946.
The MauMau group was annoyed by slow pace of
constitutional change and the settler declaration in 1950 that “we are here to
stay and all races must accept that and all it implies”.
Aims of Mau Mau Movement
1. To kill all Europeans and Africans who support them.
2. To bring Kenya independence as soon as possible.
3. To speed up writing of a just constitution.
4. Ending alienation among the Kikuyu.
Participants in MauMau Movement
1. Leaders – Waritiu Otote – General China, Dedan
Kimathi, Jomo Kenyatta,
2. Kikuyu waged laborers, ex-soldiers from WWII and other
dissatisfied groups.
Problems / Obstacles that
Hindered the Struggle for Independence in Kenya
1. Settlers opposition Nationalistic struggle; settlers
opposed nationalistic struggles because they feared that once Kenya became
Independent, Africans would grab their land.
2. Tribalism among the Africans divided Africans in the fight
for independence. Political parties such as KANU and KADU were formed in tribal
basis.
3. Personality clashes between leaders in some political
parties.
Kenyan African Union leader Jomo Kenyatta with
the official document of independence in Nairobi on December 13, 1963
DECOLONIZATION THROUGH CONSTITUTIONAL / PEACEFUL MEANS
This refers to the process of independence struggle through
peaceful means that is without the use of armed struggle. Some African
countries which used this means were Tanganyika ( now Tanzania), Uganda, Gold
coast (Ghana)
TANGANYIKA (TANZANIA)
The conditions which facilitated constitutional / peaceful
struggle for independence in Tanganyika were as follows
1. Tanganyika was a mandated colony under the British
since 1945 thus a UN delegation had always made follow up to ensure that
Tanganyika was prepared to be self governing
2. The role played the mass media such as SAUTI YA TANU
newspaper which was very much used by TANU to spread its policies and mass
mobilization enabled TANU to have mass support not only in the urban centre’s
but also in the remote areas where there was some literacy.
3. The wide use of Kiswahili as a lingua franca
throughout the country. Kiswahili was spoken y a large population in
Tanganyika. Therefore , it eased communication and brought unity among the
people of Tanganyika.
The Problems Experienced
during the Struggle for Independence in Tanganyika
1. Opposition from other political parties like ANC and
UTP. United Tanganyika party (UTP) preferred racial parity in making the
government while TANU was against that. TANU was based on the general interests,
such as cattle tax, terracing and destocking. TANU called for democratic
election of the legislative council (LEGCO) and demanded democracy.
ii. The British colonial government made everything
possible to ban TANU by calling it an illegal movements. The civil servants
were also prevented from joining the party. The colonial government sponsored
the formation of reactionary organizations such as United Tanganyika party
(UTP) which was formed by the chiefs and Europeans in 1956. United Tanganyika
party claimed that independence was not necessary, but Tanganyika should
continue its affiliation with the colonial power.
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| Julius Nyerere - Independence of Tanganyika in 1961 |
DECOLONIZATION PROCESS IN UGANDA
The emergence of Nationalistic ideas in Uganda was
delayed due to the following factors;
1. Militant nationalism did not emerge early.
2. Forced labor and land alienation were not critical in
Uganda.
3. Indirect rule favored the growth of local autonomy to
some extent. Because of this many rules became conservatives.
4. Lack of political force in the legislative council. Political
parties in Uganda.
The first nationalistic movement to emerge in Uganda was
Uganda National Congress.(U.N.C) in 1952. It drew its members from civil
servants, petty bourgeoisie and traders. It was formed in reaction to Buganda
prominence in Uganda politics. Democratic Party (DP) was formed by Roman
Catholic chief called Kiwanuka. The party was both religious and class based. Uganda
People’s Congress (UPC) was formed by Milton Obote. It was dominated by
Protestants and civil servant. Kabaka Yekka Party (KY) was formed by Kabaka to
present the interest of Buganda chiefs. This wanted Buganda to be granted
independence separately.
All the above parties participated in 1962 election but
no one won, the majority voted in the Legico. This led the formation of
coalition government by two parties –UPC and Kabaka Yakka. Obote became the prime
minister and Kabaka a president; In 1966 Kabaka was overthrown and Obote became
president.
Factors that Hindered Nationalistic
struggles in Uganda
1. Tribalism;Tribes in Uganda such as Baganda and Bunyoro
didn’t unite and struggle for Independence.
2. Religious conflicts; The Roman Catholic introduced by
the French and Protestant introduced by the British were always in antagonism.
This weakened nationalistic struggles.
3. Regionalism;the southern Uganda was more developed
than the Northern parties in terms of social amenities. So it was difficult
this parts to unite and fight for independence.
4. Class division. The major problem was land tenure
system whereby the Buganda agreement between Kabaka Daudi and the British
divided the land in the crown land and Malolanda (common land).
5. Education. The Buganda was more favored in education
those other tribes. This discounted people.
6. Poverty. Most of the nationalists were financialy
something made mass organisation poor among the Ugandans.
Milton Obote (L) swears in as Prime Minister of Uganda on
Independence in 1962
DECOLONIZATION THROUGH ARMED STRUGGLE
Armed struggle is the struggle for freedom through the
use of weapons. It was the way which were applied by some African countries
during the struggle for political independence. African countries like Kenya,
Algeria and the former Portuguese colonies like Mozambique, Guinea Bissau and
Angola got their independence through armed struggle. Some African countries
used armed means in their independence struggle. Among those countries are Zimbabwe
( Southern Rhodesia), Kenya and Mozambique.
Reasons for the Armed Struggle
1. The colonial powers were not ready to freely grant
freedom to countries like Kenya, Algeria Mozambique, Angola and Guinea Bissau
2. The colonial powers rejected the UNO and OAU
instructions to grant independence to these countries. Therefore the only
solution to attain independence was through the armed struggle because the
settlers and their activities of land alienation and forced labour were not
ready to leave their plantations in the colony.
3. The colonial regimes were un popular among the people.
Therefore the African people used various methods including the armed struggle
in order to regain their lost freedom
4. The colonial power did not want to abandon their
colonies as they viewed them as overseas territories. For example Portugal
regarded Mozambique as one of its overseas territories. The colonialists to
grant independence to their colonies.
5. Colonial power granted Independence to the minority
for example in the case of Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in the
southern Rhodes( Zimbabwe)
DECOLONISATION THROUGH REVOLUTION
Revolution is the process of removing the existing
government . OR Is a discontented reaction through violence exercised by the
majority of the country population inorder to gain recognition or reform when legal
and moderate means of political or social change fail. The known African
revolutions are:
1. The Zanzibar Revolution of 1964 led by John Titto
Okello,
2. The Egypt Revolution of 1952 led by Gamal Abdel
Nasser.
Before that there were associations which did not press
for independence but welfare of different races that lives in the Isle. Associations
before Mid 1950 were based on races e.g.
1. Arab Association was formed by Arab rich families
against the British to press for compensation to the Arab slave owners after
abolition of slave trade.
2. Africans Association formed in 1934, it was affiliated
to Tanganyika association.
3. Shiraz Association formed in 1939 in Pemba to speak
for African population like Timbuktu, Hamidu and Pemba.
4. The Indian Association.
ZANZIBAR REVOLUTION
After 1955 the people of Zanzibar formed political
parties to struggle for independence. This was due to economic hardship and
crisis in marketing cloves after WWII and colonial exploitation.
The Political Parties that
were Formed during Struggles for Independence were;
1. Zanzibar Nationalist party (Z.N.P) formed out of Arab
association by Sheikh Al Mahsin Barwan 1955. It demanded Multiracial Zanzibar
in order to get support from the Africans majority but in principal it served
the Arab Minority.
2. Afro –Shiraz party (A.S.P) it was formed out of
African association and Shiraz association in 1957. Sheikh Aman Karume was the
chairperson and Thabit Kombo was a secretary. It was a racial party because it
was supported by Africans from Zanzibar and mainland.
3. Zanzibar and Pemba People’s Party (Z.P.P.P) was formed
in 1959 by Shiraz racial group that had conflict with people of Mainland origin
and ASP. It was formed by Mohamed Shante and Musa from Pemba and Tajo from
Zanzibar.
4. UMMA Party; formed in 1963 by Abdurrahman Mohamed
Babu, after splitting from Z.N.P.
The Zanzibar Revolution
Zanzibar revolution was a complete overthrow of the Arab
government by the Africans who were subjected to it. It was a fundamental
alteration of principle and practices of Arab Sultan government by the African
people. The Revolution was organized by the ASP under sheikh Aman Karume with
the support from Umma party under Mohamed Babu in 12 Jan 1964. The group of
armed people who physically took part in revolution was led by John Okelo, a
Lango young man from Uganda.
This was secretary of A.S.P young wing in Pemba. The
group attacked the new government and Sultan by surprise. It succeed to capture
the police amour in Ziwan then radio station, custrus, airports, post office,
hospital and the prison at Mazarin by using knives, axes, hammers, bows and
arrows. The armed men got guns after capturing the police station. The sultan
escaped to Mombasa and many officials were killed.
Mohamed Shamte went into exile in Arabian. The revolution
was successful in Sunday morning 12 Jan 1964, the revolution government was set
up with Karume as the president and Hanya the Vice president, Babu and others
Asp members were ministers of the new government.
Aims of Revolution
1. To adjust social and
economic inequalities between the African Majority and the Arab Minority.
2. To remove Sultan domination over Africans in Zanzibar.
3. To eradicate British colonial interest and destroy
capitalism in Zanzibar.
4. To bring socialism in this there will be no
exploitation of man by man.
Causes of Revolution
Zanzibar attained its independence in Dec. 1963 from the
British. Africans under ASP-(Afro Shiraz Party) recognized that independence
granted in 1963 was a way for Arabs. Africans had still to struggle to win
Independence. This is war forced Revolution in Jan 12 1964.
1. Exploitation of Africans by the Arab’s government,
Africans were dissatisfied by Arabs Mass exploitation so they decided to
overthrow the government.
2. Economic difficulties caused by the World wide drop in
price of cloves, This made government to reduce expenditure on social service,
schools were closed, teachers became unemployed and medical facilities were cut
down. This gave rise to group of unemployed who were suffering peasants to join
and over throw the government.
3. Historical differences and grievances between Arabs
and Africans in Zanzibar, since the establishment of Arab administration and
clove plantation in Zanzibar by Seyyid Said. Since then the relation between Arabs
and Africans determinate Arabs made Africans slaves. So Africans brought
revolution against this domination.
4. Land alienation problem, Arabs owned large portion of
fertile land and employed Africans as labours in cloves and coconut
plantations. The Africans became helpless peasant, Fisher men and squatter in Arab
farms. This facilitated revolution.
5. Monopolization of trade by the foreigners i.e. Asians
monopolized commercial life in Zanzibar thus made people to fight.
6. British colonial legacy, The British left the Arabs to
dominate all key sectors because they were their friend and puppets. Africans
were less favored in employment opportunities example in civil services etc.
7. The role of John Okello, he mobilized people to do
surprise attack and maintain secrecy.
8. The election result of 1961 and 1963, These elections
were not fairly conducted on the side ASP. The Africans were not satisfied with
these elections which gave power to Arab Minority hence they decided to
overthrow the government.
9. Dictatorship of Mohamed Shamte, The government
surprised the political right of Africans. E.g. Vigul to freedom of
association.
10. Discrimination of Africans by the Arabs, Africans were
not treated equally with the Arabs.
Benefits of Zanzibar Revolution
1. The Africans who had lost their land got it back. The
government nationalized plantations and distributed among Africans to grow
crops.
2. The government built schools and colleges to provide
educated freely up to university level.
3. The government promoted peoples’ participation in
government, hash ranking jobs which were held by the Arabs were given to
Africans. To date the head of government is African.
4. The government built good houses in different areas and
distributed them to people freely; they were built in Uelen, Chakechake, and
Mkwajuni.
5. Transport; Government brought ships like MV Mapinduzi,
MV Maendeleo to provide transport to the people, also government constructed
roads to improve means of transport.
6. Before revolution, people of Zanzibar were known as
citizen of Sultan but after revolution people were given citizenship of
Zanzibar.
7. The union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar 26 April, 1964. Strengths
of the Zanzibar Revolution
8. It removed the colonial regime from power by force
9. It managed to adjust the social and economic inequalities
in African country
10. It manage to uphold the African dignity
11. It managed to bring African independence
12. It promoted unity and solidarity among the Africans
Weaknesses of Decolonization through Revolution
1.Loss of lives during revolution process some people loose
lives this is due to the use of dangerous weapons during the struggle that
resulted to bloodshed.
2. Destruction of properties, such as infrastructures like
offices and houses.
3. Fear and insecurity
4. Low level of consciousness and political awareness
5. Lack of clear political structures for movement
organization.
6. Lack of patriotism
 |
| Presidents Julius Nyerere and Abeid Karume inspecting the army |
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. How has the membership in the Non-aligned movement helped independent African countries? (NECTA-2000)
2. Identify the external and internal forces which made Namibia to be the last country to eradicate colonialism in Africa. (NECTA-2000)
3. The independence of Tanganyika in 1961 was inevitable development given the nature of the colonial state and the global situation that existed after 1945. How far is this true? (substantiate) (NECTA-2002)
4. Show extent to which the people of Zanzibar has benefited from the 1964 Zanzibar revolution (NECTA-2002)
5. Explain the methods that were employed by the black society in South Africa in the struggle for their liberation (NECTA-2004)
6. Why did the Portuguese colonies in Africa engage in armed struggle to liberate themselves? (NECTA-2005)
7. Show the contribution made by independent churches and early welfare association towards the development of modern nationalism in Africa (NECTA-2006)
8.Explain the roles of welfare associations, Religious movements and cooperative societies in the struggle for independence in East Africa (NECTA-2007)
9. Discuss the roles played by the nationalistic parties in the struggle for independence in Africa (NECTA-2008)
10. Analyse the problem which faced Uganda during the nationalistic struggles (NECTA-2008)
11. Examine the factors for nationalism in Africa after the second World war (NECTA-2009)
12. Elaborate six ways in which the Zanzibar revolution brought positive changes in the living conditions for the people of Isles (NECTA-2011)
13. “The independence of Ghana of 1957 strengthened the struggle for independence of other African states” Justify by giving six relevant points. (NECTA-2011)
14. With concrete examples from various parts of Africa, assess eight factors that determined the forms of decolonization in Africa (NECTA-2012)
15. Examine six factors which enabled Tanganyika to attain independence earlier than Kenya (NECTA-2014)
16. Why Mozambique attained her independence through armed struggle? (Give six points) (NECTA-2016)
17. Examine six problems encountered by the Africans during mass nationalism in Africa (NECTA-2016)
18. The independence of Tanganyika was inevitable development due to internal situations which existed by 1961. Discuss by six points. (MBEYA MOCK-2013)
19. Show the contribution made by independent churches and welfare associations towards the development of modern nationalism in Africa. Give six points to support your answer. (TAHOSA WZ, 2015)
20. The independence of Tanganyika in 1961 was an inevitable development given the nature of the colonial state and the global situation that existed after 1945. How far is this true? Substantiate by giving eight points. (MBEYA PRE-NECTA-2016)
21. “FRELIMO, PALGC, MPLA and UNITA were political parties formed for attaining independence in the former Portuguese colonies in Africa.” Explain why the government engaged in guerilla warfare (Six points only). (MBEYA MOCK-2015)
22. Explain five roles of the welfare Association and religious movements in the struggle for independence in East Africa. (MBEYA MOCK- 2012)
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