Decolonization in Africa


Decolonization in Africa
Students watch a short video of how malaria affected the colonization of Africa and brainstorm other diseases that have impacted world history. Then they examine various independence movements across Africa. Next they analyze how South Africa and Zimbabwe had a different colonial experience, and they compare and contrast it to the colonization of Kenya. Finally they analyze how the short history of Biafra reflects arbitrary borders drawn by European colonizers.

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Overview

In this experience, students watch a short video of how malaria affected the colonization of Africa and brainstorm other diseases that have impacted world history. Then they examine various independence movements across Africa. Next they analyze how South Africa and Zimbabwe had a different colonial experience, and they compare and contrast it to the colonization of Kenya. Finally they analyze how the short history of Biafra reflects arbitrary borders drawn by European colonizers.

Objectives

  • Analyze the factors that led to the rise of independence movements in Africa.
  • Identify key individuals that led independence movements in Africa.


Engage


On the continent of Africa in the nineteenth and into the twentieth centuries, freedom and independence were not elements of life for most residents. Instead, the majority of the continent was controlled by European colonizers. But during the twentieth century, changes were on the way.

Objectives

  • Analyze the factors that led to the rise of independence movements in Africa.
  • Identify key individuals that led independence movements in Africa.


stamp commemorating Ghana independence in 1957

One reason that Africa was colonized later than the other continents was because of a disease called malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite, and it is spread by mosquitoes in tropical areas. The Europeans had no natural immunity against malaria, so settling in sub-Saharan Africa was very risky, and many of them died.

Watch this short video, Herbs And Empires: A Brief History Of Malaria Drugs.


Name another disease that has an impact on world history. Be prepared to explain your answer.

Post your answer

Possible answers:

  • Smallpox: Brought by European explorers to the Americas, where many indigenous people died from it.
  • Bubonic plague: Wiped out about one-third of the European population and is often blamed for a rise in violence and crime.
  • Spanish influenza: One of the deadliest pandemics globally.
  • COVID: Affected the world economy by closing down businesses, transportation, schools, and social gatherings.


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