Abstract

The 20th century witnessed the advancement of nationalist struggles amongst the different

European colonies in West Africa. This agitation and movement were spurred by certain internal

and external factors which necessitated the agitation. This essay therefore succinctly highlights

the various factors that motivated nationalist struggles for the liberation of Western Africa

1.0 Introduction

There were several factors which spurred nationalist agitation in the West African region. Hence,

this paper specifies this internal and external factors that facilitated nationalist agitations and

struggles in West Africa during the 20th century.

2.0 Internal Factors

There were several internal factors which necessitated the rise of nationalist movements in the

West Africa. Some of them include Economic Hardships and Unfavourable Policies, Pan-

Africanist Movement, Improved Transportation and Communication Networks, Education,

Religion, the Role of Women, Establishment of Newspapers and pamphlets, and the advent of

politics and political parties (Okoth, 2006).

1. Economic Hardships and Unfavourable Policies: The colonial overlords imposed certain

draconian policies such as forced labour, heavy taxation, and compulsory cultivation of cash

crops which sparked outrage and increased poverty and malnutrition. Economic crisis emanating

from World Wars intensified resentment. The diversion of resources for war efforts further

hindered development and welfare in the colonies. The economic meltdown which culminated
from this, notably in the commerce of primary commodities led to strikes and industrial actions

bolstering nationalist sentiments.

2. Pan Africanist Movement: Pan-Africanism emerged as a powerful ideological force,

connecting Africans across the continent and the diaspora. Leaders like Marcus Garvey and W.

E. B. Du Bois played pivotal roles in advocating for African unity and independence. The fifth

Pan-African Congress in 1945, attended by numerous African nationalist leaders, reinforced the

push for independence. Pan-Africanism inspired leaders such as Kenneth Kaunda, Haile Selassie,

and Nnamdi Azikiwe, who drew from its principles to bolster their nationalist movements.

3. Improved Transportation and Communication Networks: Advancements in transportation

and communication facilitated the spread of nationalist ideas and connected previously isolated

communities. Urbanization played a crucial role, as growing cities became melting pots of

ethnicities and ideas, fostering a sense of community beyond tribal lines. Cities were hubs of

political activism, with leaders emerging from these urban centres to spearhead nationalist

movements

4. Education: Educated Africans, upon facing limited employment opportunities and workplace

discrimination, grew resentful of colonial rule. This educated elite, such as Kwame Nkrumah of

Ghana, and Nnamdi Azikwe of Nigeria organized Africans for political and nationalist activities.

5. Religion: Missionary churches provided moral support, likening colonial rulers to biblical

oppressors and instilling a sense of divine justice in the fight for freedom. African-led churches,

or Ethiopian churches, incorporated African rituals and became active in anti-colonial protests.

6. The Role of Women: Women were instrumental in nationalist movements, often leading

protests and providing essential support. Figures like Yaa Asantewaa in Ghana and the Igbo
market women in Nigeria exemplified women's active participation in resistance. Women

organized and financed movements, and in some cases, took up arms.

7. Newspapers and Pamphlets: African-run newspapers and pamphlets were vital in spreading

nationalist ideas and criticizing colonial authorities. Newspapers like The Gold Coast Times

became mouthpieces for the nationalist movement, voicing opposition to colonial policies and

promoting racial and national pride

8. Political Parties and Activities: Political parties provided structured platforms for

mobilization, advocacy, and resistance against colonial rule, playing a significant role in the push

for independence. Key political parties included: Herbert Macaulay’s Nigeria National

Democratic Party, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) eventually

chaired by Nnamdi Azikewe, and the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in Ghana, founded by

Kwame Nkrumah in 1949, which led to Ghana's independence in 1957,

3.0 External Factors

There were also external factors which impacted nationalist agitation and struggle in West

Africa some of which include superpower opposition to colonialism, effects of the two World

Wars, and the role of the United Nations (Okoth, 2006).

1. Superpower Opposition to Colonialism: After world war II, the United States and the

Soviet Union as emerged as the world super powers. These two nations were against the

colonial system, changed global dynamics and supported anti-colonial opinions. For instance,

President Roosevelt of the USA explicitly advocated for the application of the Atlantic

Charter’s four freedoms to colonies criticizing French colonial rule and supporting the rights

of colonized people.
2. Effects of World War I and II: Both world wars had an immense impact on West African

Nationalism. African soldiers realised the vulnerabilities and divisions among Europeans

thereby reducing their perception of European invincibility. In addition, they were exposed to

the political and economic disharmony amongst the European nations.

3. The Role of the United Nations and World Opinion: The collective world opinion and the

activities of the United Nations were key agents for promoting nationalist struggle for

independence. The UN Council allowed oral petitions from nationalists’ organizations, sent

critical UN Visiting Missions, and pressured for deadlines on political development.

4.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, the following factors have been identified to facilitate the rise of nationalist

movement in West Africa viz, Economic Hardships and Unfavourable Policies, Pan-Africanist

Movement, Improved Transportation and Communication Networks, Education, Religion, the

Role of Women, Establishment of Newspapers and pamphlets, the advent of politics and political

parties, effects of the two World Wars, and the role of the United Nations

REFERENCES

Asante, Kofi Takyi (2020). “National Movements in Colonial Africa”, The History of African

Development: An Online Textbook for a New Generation of African Students and Teachers.

African Economic History Network.

Okoth, A. (2006). A history of Africa: African nationalism and the de-colonisation process (Vol.

2). East African Publishers. ISBN: 9966253580, 9789966253583.