Struggles for Democracy

Main Idea: African nations work to build democracy. While Nigeria suffers setbacks, South Africa casts off white rule and lays the foundations for a democratic, multiracial government.

II. African Nations

A Colonial Rule hampers democracy

1 Colonial rule fails to prepare Africans for democracy

2 African countries face ethnic divisions, weak economies, & political corruption

B Nigeria

1 Gain independence

2 Adopt federal system: have high hopes for democracy

3 Civil War

a Country’s ethnic mix soon creates conflict

b Biafra secedes & war breaks out—martial law declared

c 1970—Biafra surrendered, country reunited

4 Struggle for democracy

a Military governs, developing oil-based economy

b Democracy returns briefly but military again take over

c Political rights severely limited: dissidents silenced

C South Africa

1 Rulers create a segregated society

2 Independenceèwhite rulers impose apartheid, an even more rigid system of segregation

3 Black South African protests lead to violence and a state of emergency

a Nelson Mandela

4 Nations impose sanctions to protest racial policies

5 President FW de Klerk moves the country away from apartheid

6 Mandela wins all-race elections & establishes a democratic, multiracial gov’t