The Decolonization of French West Africa for AP World History

Feb 10

2 min read

The decolonization of French West Africa is an illustrative example of the Decolonization after 1900 topic in Unit 8 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.

The decolonization of French West Africa was a multifaceted process characterized by nationalist movements, geopolitical shifts, and colonial policies that unfolded in the wake of World War II. Spanning territories such as Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, this region witnessed a surge in nationalist sentiment and political activism driven by grievances over colonial exploitation, social inequality, and the denial of basic rights.

In response to growing pressure, France implemented political reforms aimed at granting greater autonomy to its colonies while maintaining French control over key economic and strategic interests. The establishment of the French Union in 1946 provided a framework for limited self-government within the overarching structure of French oversight. However, leaders like Léopold Sédar Senghor and Félix Houphouët-Boigny advocated for increased autonomy and eventual independence.

Negotiations between French authorities and African nationalist leaders culminated in a wave of independence declarations in 1960, with Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali, and others asserting their sovereignty. Yet, the process faced challenges as France sought to maintain influence through economic and military ties, while newly independent states grappled with the legacy of colonialism and the complexities of nation-building.

Despite these challenges, decolonization in French West Africa marked a significant milestone in the broader struggle for African independence. It signaled the end of colonial domination and the dawn of a new era of sovereignty, albeit with lingering economic and political ties to former colonial powers. Today, the legacy of decolonization continues to shape the region’s social, political, and economic landscape as African nations navigate the complexities of post-colonial development and strive for progress and prosperity.