Post-war decolonisation in Africa
I can explain the role of nationalist movements in achieving independence for Britain's colonies in Africa.
Post-war decolonisation in Africa
I can explain the role of nationalist movements in achieving independence for Britain's colonies in Africa.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- After the Second World War, Britain had initially hoped to retain control of its empire in Africa.
- From 1945, demands for independence from nationalist movements across Britain's African colonies intensified.
- Nkrumah led peaceful protests against British rule in the Gold Coast, which became independent as Ghana in 1957.
- The Mau Mau Uprising meant that Kenya's transition to independence was more violent than in other African colonies.
- The Mau Mau Uprising helped to demonstrate that Britain could no longer rule Kenya and it became independent in 1963.
Keywords
Decolonisation - the process by which colonies ruled by an empire achieve independence
Self government - when people in a community or region make their own decisions about laws, policies, and leadership without outside control
Nationalist - someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations
Guerilla - warfare that involves using surprise attacks and hit-and-run tactics to fight a larger, more traditional military force
Common misconception
Decolonisation happened in a peaceful and orderly way in all of Britain's African colonies.
Decolonisation in many of Britain's African colonies was mostly peaceful; however, there were exceptions. For example, in Kenya there was significant violence as the British authorities used brutal measures to suppress the Mau Mau Uprising (1952-60).
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Post-war decolonisation in Africa, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Post-war decolonisation in Africa, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Decolonisation: how similar was decolonisation throughout the British Empire? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
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