1960: independence takes root across Africa: in one momentous year, 17 nations were freed from European colonial rule.

• Author: Wines, Michael

LESSON PLAN 4: TIMES PAST

1960: AFRICAN FREEDOM MOVEMENTS

BACKGROUND

In the 19th century, intense competition for Africa's mineral riches led to disputes between several European powers. In 1884-85, European readers gathered for a conference in Berlin at which they divided up the African continent among their countries. No Africans were invited to the conference.

CRITICAL THINKING

* Ask students why they think the Europeans created borders that were bound to create ethnic turmoil in the future. (Most historians say that the Europeans regarded Africans as inferior and saw no need to respect them. The borders simply recognized European authority in areas in which they already had interests. Note that Africans were not invited to the Berlin Conference in 1884-85.)

* Why, after fighting for freedom from European colonial rule, do you think that in many countries dictators replaced colonial rulers? (One reason is the ethnic divisions in most countries. Another is the absence of democratic traditions.)

WRITING PROMPT

* Write a brief essay identifying some of the ways in which the colonial period affects life in Africa today.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

* Note that Africans who were hired by Europeans to oversee their colonies often ruled cruelly. Why do you think this was the case?

* Do former European powers have a special obligation to assist in the development of their former African colonies?

* Did America's fear of Communism in Africa during the Cold War justify its intervention there?

FAST FACTS

* Ethiopia was the only African country to rebuff European colonization, repulsing Italian invaders in 1806. But 40 years later, the Italians returned, occupying the country until 1941, when the British helped it regain its independence.

* Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, became an independent republic in 1847.

WEB WATCH

http://africanhistory.about. com/library/bl/blessentials-Independence.htm provides a brief, easy-to-read history of each African country. Click on country names to see their location on the continent, date of independence, and colonial ruler.

At the stroke of midnight on Oct. 1, 1960, at a racecourse outside Lagos, a crisp green and white flag climbed a giant flagpole, replacing the British Union Jack, and fireworks lit up the sky. Tens of thousands of people roared collectively and sang the words of a new national anthem. Nigeria had become an independent nation.

Nigeria's first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa...