Account for collapse of the French Federation of West Africa by 1960

(Introduction, identify and explain the factors that lead to the collapse of the French Federation of West Africa by 1960, conclude)

The French Federation of West Africa (French: Afrique-Occidentale française, AOF) was a federation of eight French colonial territories in West Africa that existed from 1895 to 1958. The territories included Mauritania, Senegal, French Sudan (now Mali), French Guinea (now Guinea), Ivory Coast, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Dahomey (now Benin), and Niger.

Reasons for the collapse of the French Federation of West Africa by 1960

The collapse of the French Federation of West Africa by 1960 was driven by several key factors:

• Rise of Nationalism: The period after World War II saw a surge in nationalist movements across Africa. Leaders in the French West African territories began advocating for independence and self-governance, leading to widespread support for decolonization.
• Economic Exploitation: The economic policies of the French Federation were heavily focused on the exploitation of natural resources and cash crops for the benefit of France. This led to economic dissatisfaction and a desire for economic self-determination among the local populations.
• Cultural Assimilation: The French policy of cultural assimilation, which aimed to spread French culture and language, faced resistance from the indigenous populations who sought to preserve their own cultural identities and traditions.
• International Pressure: The global trend towards decolonization and the support of newly independent nations by international bodies like the United Nations put pressure on France to grant independence to its colonies.
• Political Instability: The federation faced internal political instability, with various regions experiencing unrest and demands for autonomy. This made it increasingly difficult for the French administration to maintain control.
• World War II Aftermath: The aftermath of World War II weakened European colonial powers, including France, making it difficult for them to sustain their colonial empires. The war also highlighted the contradictions of colonial rule and fueled the desire for independence.
• Economic Reforms: The French government introduced economic reforms that aimed to modernize the colonies but often led to further discontent due to their limited impact on improving the living conditions of the local populations.
• Inspiration factor: The achievement of independence in India and elsewhere in Africa; and the success of Egyptian coup of 1952 inspired the countries in the French Federation to fight for autonomy and self-determination.

These factors collectively contributed to the collapse of the French Federation of West Africa, leading to the independence of its member territories by 1960.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science