African Indepenence

African Independence began when the British Colony Gold Coast declared it's independence in 1957. It was renamed Ghana after a West African Kindom of the past. They got there independence by rallying, setting up boycotts and strikes. The people were led by a leader similar to Ghandi named Kwame Nkrumah. Nkrumah used non-violent protests. After a long fight Ghana was able to gain there independence and startement many advancements and movements throughout Africa. Kwame industrialized Africa. Built roadways and strenghten health and education

Ghana's independence influenced other countries in Africa to strive for their independence. Kenya was one of the countries that started their struggle for independence. They were led by Jomo Kenyatta and "Mau Mau" or the secret society made up mostly of Kikuyu farmers that were forced out of the highlands by the British. There aim was to frighten white farmers out of the highlands instead of fighting. They were successful and Kenya gained independence. Jomo was named president and he took effective roles in uniting the society. This stabalized the country a whole lot. When Kenyatta died Daniel arap Moi took over. He was not as good as a leader as Kenyatta. His efforts to keep the country united. He faced oppostion to his one-party rule. He was being forced to make the country more democratic. During the 1900's the economy failed, the country began to spiral into corruption. Many people died and 100's were left homeless.

The Congo gained its independence in 1960 from Belgium. Patrice Lumumba became the nation’s first prime minister. Then Algeria gained there independence led by the FLN or
Algerian National Liberation Front. The FLN used guriella tactics to fight against the French sent troops on Algeria. Ahmed Ben Bella, a leader of the FLN who had been imprisoned by the French,was named first prime minister (1962–1963) and first president (1963–1965). Ben
Bella reestablished national order, began land reforms, and developed new plans for
education.

The next country to gain independence was Angola. Angola was under the rule of the Portrugese. The Portrugese were unwilling to help Angola industrialize and modernize. Angola had no health or education and they had little commerce. The other indepenent countries of Africa inspired Angola to free themselves. The Portrugese sent an army to Angola to fight he people. The funding for this war was about half of Portugal national budget. In 1975 Portugal withdrew their armies leaving the country with no one specific to govern. A civil war took place over this no leadership betwee UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola), and communist MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola).