Nationalism in Africa: A theoretical perspective

The nature of colonial administration introduced by the European trading activities led to the agitations of the African elites for inclusion. The refusal of the administrators to grant this request, amidst other reasons such as the exploitation and economic hardships, invited the radicalism and quest for self-rule. The paper thus sought to review the relationship that existed between the Africans and the Europeans before and after the World War II. It will highlight the events that took effect before the WWII, in which the Africans sought to protest against the White dominated system for inclusion. It will again discuss the changing trend of events from the agitation for inclusive government (proto-nationalism), up to the wake-up call for anti-colonialism and self-rule by Africans (militant nationalism).The paper concludes by unveiling certain paradoxes of African nationalism before and after independence.