FORM FOUR HISTORY TOPIC ONE
1.
CRISIS IN THE CAPITALIST SYSTEM FROM 1914 TO 1945
Background of
the Topic
Capitalist
crisis refers
to the struggles or fighting among the European imperialist powers as a result
of the development of capitalism, after attaining the highest stage of imperialism
that involved the expansionism and aggrandizement among European nations,
capitalism had three key stages that is mercantilism,(15th C to 18th
C ), Competitive Capitalism (1750 – 1860s) and Monopoly capitalism (1860 – 21st
Century).
to the struggles or fighting among the European imperialist powers as a result
of the development of capitalism, after attaining the highest stage of imperialism
that involved the expansionism and aggrandizement among European nations,
capitalism had three key stages that is mercantilism,(15th C to 18th
C ), Competitive Capitalism (1750 – 1860s) and Monopoly capitalism (1860 – 21st
Century).
Because
capitalism was
built on the ground of economic expansionism, capitalist crisis were inevitable
after attaining her zenith, every imperialist nation wanted to dominate the
other. The capitalist crisis included:-
built on the ground of economic expansionism, capitalist crisis were inevitable
after attaining her zenith, every imperialist nation wanted to dominate the
other. The capitalist crisis included:-
v First
World War (1914 – 1918)
World War (1914 – 1918)
v Great
Economic Depression (1929 -1933)
Economic Depression (1929 -1933)
v Second
World War (1939 -1945)
World War (1939 -1945)
I.
First World War: Causes and Impact on Africa
Meaning: The
First World War was a military conflict from 1914 to 1918 that
involved many countries of Europe as well as the US and other nations
throughout the World. It was one of the most violent and destructive wars in
the history of Europe and the world at large.
involved many countries of Europe as well as the US and other nations
throughout the World. It was one of the most violent and destructive wars in
the history of Europe and the world at large.
The First World
War was
a pure imperialistic war because of her nature and motives of fighting, the
imperialist European powers wanted to re-divide the world market among
themselves, the war began on July 28, 1914 with the declaration of war by
Austria-Hungary on Serbia and hostilities between the Allied and Central Powers
continues until the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918, the war lasted
for a period of years, 3 months and 14 days.
a pure imperialistic war because of her nature and motives of fighting, the
imperialist European powers wanted to re-divide the world market among
themselves, the war began on July 28, 1914 with the declaration of war by
Austria-Hungary on Serbia and hostilities between the Allied and Central Powers
continues until the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918, the war lasted
for a period of years, 3 months and 14 days.
The War fought
between
two antagonistic military camps, these were:-
two antagonistic military camps, these were:-
(a)
Cadual
entente which comprised of Britain, France and Russia
later alone USA, China, and Serbia and other powers joined and became known as
Allied forces.
Cadual
entente which comprised of Britain, France and Russia
later alone USA, China, and Serbia and other powers joined and became known as
Allied forces.
(b)
Triple
Alliance of German, Austria, Hungary and Italy which later joined by other nations like Turkey,
Bulgaria and became to be known as the Central Power.
Triple
Alliance of German, Austria, Hungary and Italy which later joined by other nations like Turkey,
Bulgaria and became to be known as the Central Power.
The First World
War
began as a local European war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia on July 28,
1914, was transformed into a general European struggle by Germany’s declaration
of war against Russia on August 1, 1914 and eventually became a global war
involving 32 nations.
began as a local European war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia on July 28,
1914, was transformed into a general European struggle by Germany’s declaration
of war against Russia on August 1, 1914 and eventually became a global war
involving 32 nations.
The immediate cause
of
the war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia was the assassination of Archduke
Francis Ferdinand and his wife Sophia by a Serb nationalist at Sarajevo in
Bosnia on June 28, 1914.
the war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia was the assassination of Archduke
Francis Ferdinand and his wife Sophia by a Serb nationalist at Sarajevo in
Bosnia on June 28, 1914.
CAUSES
OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR.
i. Formation of
military alliance system/military camps.
These military
unions of
the capitalist nations for self defense against any common enemy, within the
imperialist European nations to safe guard their imperialist economic
interests, it was agreed upon the camp-members that in case any member of the
camp is attacked, other members should come out and fight together.
the capitalist nations for self defense against any common enemy, within the
imperialist European nations to safe guard their imperialist economic
interests, it was agreed upon the camp-members that in case any member of the
camp is attacked, other members should come out and fight together.
ii. Development
of militarism in Europe
This was the
competition
of manufacturing military deadly weapons within the imperialist industrialized
European nations aimed at to achieving their imperialist motives of their respective
nations.
of manufacturing military deadly weapons within the imperialist industrialized
European nations aimed at to achieving their imperialist motives of their respective
nations.
iii. The Balkan
crises.
Many European
Imperialistic countries were interested in controlling the Balkans as their
colonies after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, small and defense-less states
emerged in the Balkans which felled a prey to the big imperialistic nations who
wanted to control them.
Imperialistic countries were interested in controlling the Balkans as their
colonies after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, small and defense-less states
emerged in the Balkans which felled a prey to the big imperialistic nations who
wanted to control them.
iv. European
Nationalism
Many European
countries
joined this war to defend their national interest, example the assassination of
Archduke Ferdinand by the Serbian student was an act of nationalist to Serbia,
while the fighting to France was for nationalistic interest to regain Alsace
and Loraine from Germany, the same happened to Russia, Germany and Austria.
joined this war to defend their national interest, example the assassination of
Archduke Ferdinand by the Serbian student was an act of nationalist to Serbia,
while the fighting to France was for nationalistic interest to regain Alsace
and Loraine from Germany, the same happened to Russia, Germany and Austria.
v. Russia and
Germany expansionism
Russia wanted
to control
all the Balkan states in Eastern Europe and form a stronger large Russian state
as well. Germany after her unification and underwent industrial revolution
under the leader of Keiser William II by 1905, Germany militarism and
imperialism reached the climax wanted to rule the whole world, with the
intention of conquering France and Russia first such conflicting interest
between Russia and Germany made the world peace at stake one had to fight the
other as to achieve her goals hence the outbreak of world war one in 1914.
all the Balkan states in Eastern Europe and form a stronger large Russian state
as well. Germany after her unification and underwent industrial revolution
under the leader of Keiser William II by 1905, Germany militarism and
imperialism reached the climax wanted to rule the whole world, with the
intention of conquering France and Russia first such conflicting interest
between Russia and Germany made the world peace at stake one had to fight the
other as to achieve her goals hence the outbreak of world war one in 1914.
vi. Revenge and
suspicious
The First World
war was
fought on two key principles among the
imperialist nations, for instance France joined the war because she wanted to
revenge defeat of Franco-Prussian was with Germany of 1871 where she had lost
Alsace and Loraine, for Russia wanted to revenge German and Austria for taking
Balkans, Austria wanted to revenge assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.
fought on two key principles among the
imperialist nations, for instance France joined the war because she wanted to
revenge defeat of Franco-Prussian was with Germany of 1871 where she had lost
Alsace and Loraine, for Russia wanted to revenge German and Austria for taking
Balkans, Austria wanted to revenge assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.
vii. European
balance of power
Every European
country
wanted to maintain superiority over another military, economically, and politically,
this led to the outbreak of world war for stance Germany wanted to remain as
the lion of the land while Britain wanted to remain as the Shark of the sea
because it was very powerful on marine technology, such ideology made other
nation to struggle for recognition hence the world peace was at stake thus the
outbreak of world war in 1914 as to maintain their status quo and recognition.
wanted to maintain superiority over another military, economically, and politically,
this led to the outbreak of world war for stance Germany wanted to remain as
the lion of the land while Britain wanted to remain as the Shark of the sea
because it was very powerful on marine technology, such ideology made other
nation to struggle for recognition hence the world peace was at stake thus the
outbreak of world war in 1914 as to maintain their status quo and recognition.
viii.
Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife
Sophia.
Sophia.
The
assassination of
Ferdinand and his wife by the Serbian Student at Sarajevo was an immediate
cause of the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
Ferdinand and his wife by the Serbian Student at Sarajevo was an immediate
cause of the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
ix. Attack of
Belgium by German
This was also
the
immediate cause of the war as a military strategy Germany mobilizes and
stationed her troops in Belgium to blockade and fight French troops from
advancing, German attack on Belgium in August, 1914 made Britain quickly join
the war attacking German.
immediate cause of the war as a military strategy Germany mobilizes and
stationed her troops in Belgium to blockade and fight French troops from
advancing, German attack on Belgium in August, 1914 made Britain quickly join
the war attacking German.
WHY
USA JOINED THE FIRST WORLD ON SIDE OF ALLIED FORCES?
USA and other
nations
joined the war in 1916. USA joined the First World War due to the following
reasons:-
joined the war in 1916. USA joined the First World War due to the following
reasons:-
- Cultural relation between
Britain and USA thus pressure from the people of USA to help Britain in
the war forcing USA to join the war. - The role of USA president
Woodrow to create World war peace in order to establish World body to
maintain world security - The loan provided by USA
to allied forces USA to help them to win the war so as they can be able to
pay back. - The sinking of USA ships
by Germany U boat, four USA ships that were carrying food and other
supplies were sunk by Germany and a number of passengers were killed.
EFFECTS/IMPACTS
OF WORLD WAR ONE ON AFRICA
The First World
War
brought the following effects on the lands of Africa.
brought the following effects on the lands of Africa.
1. Death and
destruction of African properties
The war led to
the destruction
of African properties especially African Agriculture and deaths of Africans who
participated in the war like in Libya, Somalia and Kenya.
of African properties especially African Agriculture and deaths of Africans who
participated in the war like in Libya, Somalia and Kenya.
2. Extreme
exploitation
The aftermath
of the
First World War led to intensive exploitation of African resources because the
European nations wanted to compensate what they had lost during the war.
Example, introduction of new taxes, forced labour, mineral extraction became
dominant.
First World War led to intensive exploitation of African resources because the
European nations wanted to compensate what they had lost during the war.
Example, introduction of new taxes, forced labour, mineral extraction became
dominant.
3. Great
depression
The First World
War led
to the Great Depression which victimized Africa economies that led to the fall
of the prices of cash crops which became a region to solve the problems of
great depression in Europe. Example prices of African agriculture produce
fallen, wages of social services reduced.
to the Great Depression which victimized Africa economies that led to the fall
of the prices of cash crops which became a region to solve the problems of
great depression in Europe. Example prices of African agriculture produce
fallen, wages of social services reduced.
4. Fall of
produce prices in African colonies
The war led to
the fall
of producer prices because of severe financial crisis that faced the metropole
and colonies during the period of war.
of producer prices because of severe financial crisis that faced the metropole
and colonies during the period of war.
5. Cut down of
colonial government
Colonial
Governments in
Africa cut down expenditures in social services were tremendously reduced
because of the severe financial constraints faced in the war period.
Africa cut down expenditures in social services were tremendously reduced
because of the severe financial constraints faced in the war period.
6. Rise of
Welfare associations
The war led to
the rise
of welfare associations in the colonies which were formed as a method to intensively
exploit African resources such welfare associations included Kilimanjaro Native
Planters, Bukoba Coffee growers, Bataka associations etc.
of welfare associations in the colonies which were formed as a method to intensively
exploit African resources such welfare associations included Kilimanjaro Native
Planters, Bukoba Coffee growers, Bataka associations etc.
7. Introduction
and development of colonial schemes.
The colonial
governments
in Africa established different colonial schemes in order to generate big
qualities and quantity as to increase export in the metropole.
in Africa established different colonial schemes in order to generate big
qualities and quantity as to increase export in the metropole.
8. Rise of
socialism in
Africa
Africa
10. Social
miseries
The war led to
social
misery in various parts of Africa where the war reached suffering caused by homelessness,
displacement, famine, diseases, fear and uncertainties.
misery in various parts of Africa where the war reached suffering caused by homelessness,
displacement, famine, diseases, fear and uncertainties.
11. Involvement
of African into the War.
A lot of
Africans were
recruited by the colonial powers to fight on their side so many Africans were
taken to work as cooks, porters, security guards and fighters; this led to
depopulation in Africa and sex imbalances.
recruited by the colonial powers to fight on their side so many Africans were
taken to work as cooks, porters, security guards and fighters; this led to
depopulation in Africa and sex imbalances.
II. THE ECONOMIC GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION FROM 1929 – 1933.
Great
depression is the
name given to the profound global economic crisis; the depression generally
refers to the economic crisis, the great depression generally refers to the
economic crisis that occurred in 1929 up to 1933 during the period of inter war
or it may be described as an economic disaster that originated from USA
following the collapse of New York stock exchange of the wall street on 19th
October, 1929.
name given to the profound global economic crisis; the depression generally
refers to the economic crisis, the great depression generally refers to the
economic crisis that occurred in 1929 up to 1933 during the period of inter war
or it may be described as an economic disaster that originated from USA
following the collapse of New York stock exchange of the wall street on 19th
October, 1929.
When the
stock exchange market crashed in 1929
bank depositors worried that the bank would go bankrupt and rushed to withdraw
their deposited in cash, these runs on bank made many banks to fail, here depositors
besiege Merchants Bank in that made the beginning of the spread of the great
depression.
bank depositors worried that the bank would go bankrupt and rushed to withdraw
their deposited in cash, these runs on bank made many banks to fail, here depositors
besiege Merchants Bank in that made the beginning of the spread of the great
depression.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION
(i) Existence
of hyper inflation
(high depreciation of money) that facilitated to the collapse of the economies.
(high depreciation of money) that facilitated to the collapse of the economies.
(ii) Mass
unemployment tremendous
and unprecedented surge in unemployment. The official figures are impressive,
peaking at around 6 million unemployed in Germany, 14 million in the United
States, and 2.7 million jobless in Britain due to low economic activities.
and unprecedented surge in unemployment. The official figures are impressive,
peaking at around 6 million unemployed in Germany, 14 million in the United
States, and 2.7 million jobless in Britain due to low economic activities.
(iii) Social
tensions increased
considerably, with a rising intolerance towards groups or individuals who were
perceived to be “economic rival” or “outsiders”. Many people began to blame
their neighbors for the economic collapse.
considerably, with a rising intolerance towards groups or individuals who were
perceived to be “economic rival” or “outsiders”. Many people began to blame
their neighbors for the economic collapse.
(iv) Low purchasing
power i.e. inability
of people to buy their basics and this was because of low economic activity.
of people to buy their basics and this was because of low economic activity.
(v) Protectionism
was by preventing
commodities from other nations, was applied as one of methods to prevent
depression.
commodities from other nations, was applied as one of methods to prevent
depression.
(vi) Starvation,
famine and
malnutrition related diseases; the depression took a heavy toll on the physical
and mental health of society. In Hamburg, for example, over 50 per cent of all
young men were unemployed for more than two years and they were especially
hard-hit by the social and psychological.
malnutrition related diseases; the depression took a heavy toll on the physical
and mental health of society. In Hamburg, for example, over 50 per cent of all
young men were unemployed for more than two years and they were especially
hard-hit by the social and psychological.
(vii)
Low production of industrial
goods and steady fall of price levels.
Low production of industrial
goods and steady fall of price levels.
(viii) Closure of financial
institution like banks because of low level economic activities.
institution like banks because of low level economic activities.
(ix) Wide
spread of economic
depression in the world except Russia.
depression in the world except Russia.
(x) The
depression also heightened
the division of experience between men and women. In some cases married women
workers were forced from the workplace by state legislation in a campaign
against so-called “double earners” (because their husbands also brought home a
wage packet.
the division of experience between men and women. In some cases married women
workers were forced from the workplace by state legislation in a campaign
against so-called “double earners” (because their husbands also brought home a
wage packet.
(xi) The failure of
governments to
combat the depression effectively caused domestic politics to become
increasingly turbulent, in much of Central and Eastern Europe, as in the Weimar
Republic.
combat the depression effectively caused domestic politics to become
increasingly turbulent, in much of Central and Eastern Europe, as in the Weimar
Republic.
CAUSES
OF GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION
(i) First
world war of 1914, this
war created an economic vacuum, where by during the war many European countries
were incurring high war expenditure while no production thus after the war the
European nations wanted to compensate the gap of production that occurred
during that period, which led to over production hence low prices on
agricultural and industrial products, hence low investment which led to mass
unemployment that brought low purchasing power that leads to poor welfare like
famine starvation and death thus great depression.
war created an economic vacuum, where by during the war many European countries
were incurring high war expenditure while no production thus after the war the
European nations wanted to compensate the gap of production that occurred
during that period, which led to over production hence low prices on
agricultural and industrial products, hence low investment which led to mass
unemployment that brought low purchasing power that leads to poor welfare like
famine starvation and death thus great depression.
(ii) Multi
distribution of capitalist
economy or uneven distribution of national economy in the capitalist nations,
where by in pure, capitalist nation its only few individuals that happen to own
and control production for stance in USA by the time of great depression; it
was only 5% of the population that owned the economy, unlike, in socialism
economy thus any, withdraw of such people from investments it affects the
entire economy thus the collapse of New York stock exchange in 1929 led to the
investors to withdraw their money from the stock market which led to economic
depression of 1930s
economy or uneven distribution of national economy in the capitalist nations,
where by in pure, capitalist nation its only few individuals that happen to own
and control production for stance in USA by the time of great depression; it
was only 5% of the population that owned the economy, unlike, in socialism
economy thus any, withdraw of such people from investments it affects the
entire economy thus the collapse of New York stock exchange in 1929 led to the
investors to withdraw their money from the stock market which led to economic
depression of 1930s
(iii) Heavy loans
during the fighting
heavy debts from USA to France and Britain were acquired to facilitate the war
even after the war more debts were got from USA like financial loans to
reconstruct the war damaged European nations, the result was when the pressure
to repay loans and interests became greater particularly in Europe, it created
an economic situation where by huge sum of money begun flowing from Europe to
USA. This destroyed international trade, thus European nations couldn’t develop
but all of them depending on USA thus any problem on USA economy had to affect
the entire world.
heavy debts from USA to France and Britain were acquired to facilitate the war
even after the war more debts were got from USA like financial loans to
reconstruct the war damaged European nations, the result was when the pressure
to repay loans and interests became greater particularly in Europe, it created
an economic situation where by huge sum of money begun flowing from Europe to
USA. This destroyed international trade, thus European nations couldn’t develop
but all of them depending on USA thus any problem on USA economy had to affect
the entire world.
(iv)
War indemnity of Germany and
senseless cycle payment Germany was asked to pay huge indemnity or repatriation
of 6.5 billion dollars to the victor powers first of all this amount of money
was too huge for Germany which had just come from war that led to inflation,
and created senseless cycle payment where by Germany acquire loans from USA as
to pay Britain and France who wanted to repay the loans from USA, who borrowed
Germany thus a senseless cycle payment, that any thing that would affect UA
economy would affect the entire world economy hence the collapse of new York
stock exchange led to great economic depression.
War indemnity of Germany and
senseless cycle payment Germany was asked to pay huge indemnity or repatriation
of 6.5 billion dollars to the victor powers first of all this amount of money
was too huge for Germany which had just come from war that led to inflation,
and created senseless cycle payment where by Germany acquire loans from USA as
to pay Britain and France who wanted to repay the loans from USA, who borrowed
Germany thus a senseless cycle payment, that any thing that would affect UA
economy would affect the entire world economy hence the collapse of new York
stock exchange led to great economic depression.
(v) The
collapse of new York stock
exchange on 19th October 1929 this was the immediate cause of the great
depression, many investor in USA and out side USA had invested a lot in USA
stock exchange the fall of the prices of shares, made the investors to withdraw
their shares which led to low investment that led to closure of financial
institutions like banks and credit facilities, hence great depression.
exchange on 19th October 1929 this was the immediate cause of the great
depression, many investor in USA and out side USA had invested a lot in USA
stock exchange the fall of the prices of shares, made the investors to withdraw
their shares which led to low investment that led to closure of financial
institutions like banks and credit facilities, hence great depression.
(vi) Absence of
international
financial institution like, IMF and World Bank which would have acted as
advisor and regulators of economic and financial issues in the world, like
controlling inflation production, scarcity and financial regulation, etc, thus
its absence in I 930s led to the great economic depression.
financial institution like, IMF and World Bank which would have acted as
advisor and regulators of economic and financial issues in the world, like
controlling inflation production, scarcity and financial regulation, etc, thus
its absence in I 930s led to the great economic depression.
(vii) Over production of
agriculture
and industrial products after the First World War, that period was
characterized with over production of agriculture and industrial out put both
in the periphery and in the metro pole, this led to the fall of prices of
output of industrial and agriculture, which discouraged production in the long
run, thus great economic depression.
and industrial products after the First World War, that period was
characterized with over production of agriculture and industrial out put both
in the periphery and in the metro pole, this led to the fall of prices of
output of industrial and agriculture, which discouraged production in the long
run, thus great economic depression.
(viii) Political instabilities
during
inter war period this, period did not enable many European nations to engage
into commodity production and international trade, it left little time for
European and USA to engage in economic activities which led to poor planning
that culminated into economic slump.
inter war period this, period did not enable many European nations to engage
into commodity production and international trade, it left little time for
European and USA to engage in economic activities which led to poor planning
that culminated into economic slump.
(ix) Bolshevik
revolution of 1917,
after under going the revolution Russia begun to under go command and central
controlled economy, which narrowed the world market that led to the piles of
goods with out market from America and in western European nations, hence
economic Great depression.
after under going the revolution Russia begun to under go command and central
controlled economy, which narrowed the world market that led to the piles of
goods with out market from America and in western European nations, hence
economic Great depression.
(x) Poor
economic policies like
protectionism were also responsible for great economic depression e.g. USA
during the inter war period practiced and pursued discriminative economic
policy against world economies she passed the “Mc Cumber tariff’ in 1922 to
shelter her economies ad against imports of nation wishing to export more
goods.
protectionism were also responsible for great economic depression e.g. USA
during the inter war period practiced and pursued discriminative economic
policy against world economies she passed the “Mc Cumber tariff’ in 1922 to
shelter her economies ad against imports of nation wishing to export more
goods.
(xi) The Collapse
of the Austria
instalt credit bann that provided loans to European nations but collapsed in
May 1931 due to the withdraw on the French funds the financial crisis was
intensified in Europe.
instalt credit bann that provided loans to European nations but collapsed in
May 1931 due to the withdraw on the French funds the financial crisis was
intensified in Europe.
(xii) The Recovery
programme after
world war one, the European nation begun to discriminate the USA goods the
European nation begun the recovery of agriculture sector which led to the
discriminating of agriculture products in USA that resulted the pile of goods
because of fewer buyers this affected the production and that marked the
beginning of the great depression.
world war one, the European nation begun to discriminate the USA goods the
European nation begun the recovery of agriculture sector which led to the
discriminating of agriculture products in USA that resulted the pile of goods
because of fewer buyers this affected the production and that marked the
beginning of the great depression.
EFFECTS
OF GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION IN AFRICA
- Fall
of price commodity
The
great depression led to the decline of African cash crops tremendously like
cotton, coffee, sisal and cocoa because the demand at the metropole was also
very low the peasants and the European settlers, who were the chief producers
of such commodities almost abandoned the production.
great depression led to the decline of African cash crops tremendously like
cotton, coffee, sisal and cocoa because the demand at the metropole was also
very low the peasants and the European settlers, who were the chief producers
of such commodities almost abandoned the production.
- Decline
in provision of social services
The
great depression led to the decline of provision of social services in Africa
whereby the colonial government was no longer interested in the investment of
social services because of severe financial crisis in Europe.
great depression led to the decline of provision of social services in Africa
whereby the colonial government was no longer interested in the investment of
social services because of severe financial crisis in Europe.
- Establishment
of processing industries
The
establishment of processing industries like cotton ginneries, oil refinery as
to increase the qualitative and quantitative output in the metropolitan
countries.
establishment of processing industries like cotton ginneries, oil refinery as
to increase the qualitative and quantitative output in the metropolitan
countries.
- Intensive
exploitation
Colonial
governments in Africa increased exploitation of African resources. Example land
alienation was doubled, new taxes were introduced, forced labour and low wages,
this aimed at compensating the financial crisis that had affected their
economy.
governments in Africa increased exploitation of African resources. Example land
alienation was doubled, new taxes were introduced, forced labour and low wages,
this aimed at compensating the financial crisis that had affected their
economy.
- Region
imbalance
The
great depression contributed to the regional imbalance of transport network
whereby railway lines and roads were constructed in areas where production was
high and in places that there was no transport network.
great depression contributed to the regional imbalance of transport network
whereby railway lines and roads were constructed in areas where production was
high and in places that there was no transport network.
- Provision
of low wages
The
great depression led the Colonial Governments to provide low wages especially
on colonial civil servants as to minimize colonial expenditures in the
peripheries.
great depression led the Colonial Governments to provide low wages especially
on colonial civil servants as to minimize colonial expenditures in the
peripheries.
- Mass
unemployment
There
was mass unemployment in many colonies because the colonial government reduced
the number of workers so as to reduce colonial expenditure like primary
teachers, nurses, clerks and others.
was mass unemployment in many colonies because the colonial government reduced
the number of workers so as to reduce colonial expenditure like primary
teachers, nurses, clerks and others.
- Development
of migrant labours
Since
the colonial governments increased plantation and increased labour reserves.
Example Rukwa, Kigoma, Dodoma in Tanganyika and Northern Uganda as well.
the colonial governments increased plantation and increased labour reserves.
Example Rukwa, Kigoma, Dodoma in Tanganyika and Northern Uganda as well.
- Growth
of food stuff
The
crisis contributed in putting more efforts in the production of food crops like
banana, soya beans, cassava, potatoes, millet because cash crops had fallen in
prices.
crisis contributed in putting more efforts in the production of food crops like
banana, soya beans, cassava, potatoes, millet because cash crops had fallen in
prices.
- Increase in the import industrial
commodities
A
lot of industrial commodities were imported into the colonies as to decrease
the stock piles in the metropole that had lacked market during the period of
severe economic crisis.
lot of industrial commodities were imported into the colonies as to decrease
the stock piles in the metropole that had lacked market during the period of
severe economic crisis.
SOLUTIONS OF
GREAT DEPRESSION IN AFRICA.
- There was an introduction and
expansion in consolidating the peasant cooperative societies e.g. in 1932 the
KNCU was formed, the Kagera coffee growers and many others with the aim to
improve the production of cash crops.
- They initiated grow more
campaign in most African colonies by establishing more plantations and forced
cropping e.g. in Tanganyika all able bodied men were supposed to work on
plantations for 12 hours a day and all shops of wine pombe) were supposed to be
closed during the day and only open in the evening. New development schemes
were introduced like Ulugulu land usage scheme Mialo rehabilitation scheme
Usukuma and Mbulu distocking. - The peasants in settlers
economy like Kenya and Zimbabwe were allowed to cultivate the prohibited cash crops that had
been preserved for the settlers like tea, coffee, cotton, etc this was aimed at
increasing the quantity of cash crop production as to fill the gap in the
metropole economies. - African education syllabus and
curriculum was changed as to respond with the need of the metropolitan, emphasis was put
on handcraft agriculture, and vocational
schools as to increase production and exploit African
cheap labor as a solution to solve the great slump
- The colonial government begun
to intervene in agriculture sector by providing subsidies, the settlers classify peasant, farmers, and
provide them farming implements like hybrid seeds, fertilizers and packaging, to increase
the quality and the quantity of the production.
- The colonial government also
begun to develop transport network like railway, harbors ,ports, so as to ease the transportation of the highly
needed raw materials in the metro pole.
- Also the colonial government
increased the activities in mining of gold diamond, copper, and exploitation of African cheap labour
e.g. in Kenya the Kipande system was increased from 80 days to 160 per person annually.
- Intensification of labour
recruiting bureaus were set to encourage and recruit migrate labour for stance SILABU in Tanganyika, railways
were asset to transport labour force from labour reserves to
plantations.
- New taxation where introduced
in the colonial state to increase colonial revenues as well as to encourage cheap labour of the Africans
new taxes introduced included Hut tax poll tax, livestock tax
among others.
III.
SECOND WORLD WAR 1939- 1945.
Introduction.
World War 11,
global
military conflict that, in terms of lives lost and material destruction, was
the most devastating war in human history. It began in 1939 as a European
conflict between Germany and an Anglo-French-Polish coalition but eventually
widened to include most of the nations of the world. It ended in1945, leaving a
new world order of the Superpowers dominated by the United States and the Union
of Soviet. Socialist Republics (USSR)
military conflict that, in terms of lives lost and material destruction, was
the most devastating war in human history. It began in 1939 as a European
conflict between Germany and an Anglo-French-Polish coalition but eventually
widened to include most of the nations of the world. It ended in1945, leaving a
new world order of the Superpowers dominated by the United States and the Union
of Soviet. Socialist Republics (USSR)
The Second
World War,
reached in every part of the world in the five continents and in7 seas. More
than 50m people lost their lives in this disastrous war, more than 22m were
soldiers and more than 28rn were civilians. The real cause of this war is not
known but most historians concur that it was the combination of factors that
led to the outbreak of the World War II. The war begun between September 1939
to August 1945 .It was fought between the antagonistic imperialistic nations in
two camps, i.e. the Berlin —Rome Tokyo axis Vs the allied forces being led by
Britain, France, USA, Russia etc. The Berlin Rom Tokyo axis was defeated and
surrendered.
reached in every part of the world in the five continents and in7 seas. More
than 50m people lost their lives in this disastrous war, more than 22m were
soldiers and more than 28rn were civilians. The real cause of this war is not
known but most historians concur that it was the combination of factors that
led to the outbreak of the World War II. The war begun between September 1939
to August 1945 .It was fought between the antagonistic imperialistic nations in
two camps, i.e. the Berlin —Rome Tokyo axis Vs the allied forces being led by
Britain, France, USA, Russia etc. The Berlin Rom Tokyo axis was defeated and
surrendered.
It was also
unique in
modern times for the savagery of the military attacks unleashed against
civilians, and for the adopt [on by Nazi Germany of genocide (of Jews, Roma
[Gypsies], homosexuals, and other groups) as a specific war aim. The most
important determinants of its outcome were industrial capacity and personnel.
In the last stages of the war, two radically new weapons were introduced: the
long-range rocket and the atomic bomb.
modern times for the savagery of the military attacks unleashed against
civilians, and for the adopt [on by Nazi Germany of genocide (of Jews, Roma
[Gypsies], homosexuals, and other groups) as a specific war aim. The most
important determinants of its outcome were industrial capacity and personnel.
In the last stages of the war, two radically new weapons were introduced: the
long-range rocket and the atomic bomb.
CAUSES
OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR (1939-1945)
(i) The
Versailles peace treaty of
1919, many world historian do agree that the seed that led to the Second World
War was sown during the Versailles peace settlement, the Versailles men, They
had reduced Germany to a military cipher and had reorganized Europe and the
world as they saw fit, this created more enemies than friends for example,
Hitler promised to overturn the Versailles Treaty, for .having humiliated
Germany to that extent, he secured additional support from Germany peasants,
Turkey, Italy, too were ill-treated by the treaty and opted to revenge. Thus
the outbreak of World War II in 1939
1919, many world historian do agree that the seed that led to the Second World
War was sown during the Versailles peace settlement, the Versailles men, They
had reduced Germany to a military cipher and had reorganized Europe and the
world as they saw fit, this created more enemies than friends for example,
Hitler promised to overturn the Versailles Treaty, for .having humiliated
Germany to that extent, he secured additional support from Germany peasants,
Turkey, Italy, too were ill-treated by the treaty and opted to revenge. Thus
the outbreak of World War II in 1939
(ii) Formation
of hostile camps,
after the failure of league of nation Germany was very successful to create an
alliance with Italy, Tokyo, and Japan thus the Berlin —Rome —Tokyo axis which
forced France to form the Anglo French hegemony which was later on joined by
other countries and formed the allied forces versus central power, it was these
camps that the second world war was organized it provided confidence and
increase enmity between the military camps that made the war inevitable.
after the failure of league of nation Germany was very successful to create an
alliance with Italy, Tokyo, and Japan thus the Berlin —Rome —Tokyo axis which
forced France to form the Anglo French hegemony which was later on joined by
other countries and formed the allied forces versus central power, it was these
camps that the second world war was organized it provided confidence and
increase enmity between the military camps that made the war inevitable.
(iii) Hitler and
Mussolini foreign
policy, these were characterized by expansionism aggression hatred revenge and
domination, Adolf Hitler, the Führer (leader) of the German National Socialist
(Nazi) party, preached a brand of fascism predicated on anti-Semitism and
racism. Hitler promised to overturn the Versailles Treaty and secure additional
Lebensraum (living space) for the German people who, he contended, deserved
more as members of a superior race he wanted to make the capital of the world
to be at Berlin, this created the outbreak of the World War II when they
attempted to fulfill their desires e.g. 1935 Mussolini attacked Ethiopia, in
1938 Hitler attacked Austria, 1939 Hitler attacked Poland as that resulted the
outbreak of World War II.
policy, these were characterized by expansionism aggression hatred revenge and
domination, Adolf Hitler, the Führer (leader) of the German National Socialist
(Nazi) party, preached a brand of fascism predicated on anti-Semitism and
racism. Hitler promised to overturn the Versailles Treaty and secure additional
Lebensraum (living space) for the German people who, he contended, deserved
more as members of a superior race he wanted to make the capital of the world
to be at Berlin, this created the outbreak of the World War II when they
attempted to fulfill their desires e.g. 1935 Mussolini attacked Ethiopia, in
1938 Hitler attacked Austria, 1939 Hitler attacked Poland as that resulted the
outbreak of World War II.
(iv) Military
preparedness and
rearmament, when Hitler came to power in 1933 Having denounced the disarmament
clauses of the Versailles Treaty, created a new air force, and reintroduced
conscription, in March 1936 Hitler dispatched German troops into the Rhineland
he withdraw Germany from the league of nation and begun manufacturing more
weapons preparing for revenge, this act attracted other countries to do the
same thing, e.g. Britain France increased their military budget to prepare
weapons. Such military readiness brought tension which brought the war in 1939.
rearmament, when Hitler came to power in 1933 Having denounced the disarmament
clauses of the Versailles Treaty, created a new air force, and reintroduced
conscription, in March 1936 Hitler dispatched German troops into the Rhineland
he withdraw Germany from the league of nation and begun manufacturing more
weapons preparing for revenge, this act attracted other countries to do the
same thing, e.g. Britain France increased their military budget to prepare
weapons. Such military readiness brought tension which brought the war in 1939.
(v) Imperialism,
Germany begin the
war because he wanted to regain his lost imperial interest in Africa like in
Tanganyika as well as to get more colonies in Africa for Italy she fought to
get more colonies, to get more colonies and territories, France wanted to
maintain and defend her imperialistic gains from Germany, while Russia was
interested in the Balkans and Britain wanted to maintain her status-quo as the
shark of the sea with the colonial empire.
war because he wanted to regain his lost imperial interest in Africa like in
Tanganyika as well as to get more colonies in Africa for Italy she fought to
get more colonies, to get more colonies and territories, France wanted to
maintain and defend her imperialistic gains from Germany, while Russia was
interested in the Balkans and Britain wanted to maintain her status-quo as the
shark of the sea with the colonial empire.
(vi)
Extreme nationalism /ultra
nationalism Many European nations began to preach nationalistic ideologies that
brought excessive nationalism. Germany wanted to rule the whole world, Italy
wanted to form another Roman Empire, Japan wanted to control Asia such
nationalistic demands led the outbreak of World War II.
Extreme nationalism /ultra
nationalism Many European nations began to preach nationalistic ideologies that
brought excessive nationalism. Germany wanted to rule the whole world, Italy
wanted to form another Roman Empire, Japan wanted to control Asia such
nationalistic demands led the outbreak of World War II.
(vii) Failure of the
League of
Nations in her major task of maintaining world peace and security, During the
1920s, attempts were made to achieve a stable peace. The first was the
establishment (1920) of the League of Nations as a forum in which nations could
settle their dispute. The League’s powers were limited to persuasion and
various levels of moral and economic sanctions that the members were free to
carry out as they saw fit. Such weaknesses were responsible for the out break
of world war two.
Nations in her major task of maintaining world peace and security, During the
1920s, attempts were made to achieve a stable peace. The first was the
establishment (1920) of the League of Nations as a forum in which nations could
settle their dispute. The League’s powers were limited to persuasion and
various levels of moral and economic sanctions that the members were free to
carry out as they saw fit. Such weaknesses were responsible for the out break
of world war two.
(viii) Chamberlain appeasement
policy,
he was the prime minister of Britain who feared war he adopted appeasement
policy on Hitler as one of the way to keep him happy by giving him loans grants
pardoning Germany: debts and official visits which Hitler used as an
opportunity to concentrate and to by time as he prepared fore revenge, Britain
failed to punish Hitler for aggressing other nations.
he was the prime minister of Britain who feared war he adopted appeasement
policy on Hitler as one of the way to keep him happy by giving him loans grants
pardoning Germany: debts and official visits which Hitler used as an
opportunity to concentrate and to by time as he prepared fore revenge, Britain
failed to punish Hitler for aggressing other nations.
(ix) Attack
of Poland by Germany,
this was the immediate cause of World War II on 2” Sept. 1939 at 11:00 am.
German troops entered Poland, Britain and French asked Hitler to withdraw from
Poland immediately but Hitler gave them a deaf ear. Britain declared war on
Germany and on the same, day France declared war on Germany. Thus the outbreak
of World War II.
this was the immediate cause of World War II on 2” Sept. 1939 at 11:00 am.
German troops entered Poland, Britain and French asked Hitler to withdraw from
Poland immediately but Hitler gave them a deaf ear. Britain declared war on
Germany and on the same, day France declared war on Germany. Thus the outbreak
of World War II.
(x)
American isolation policy led
to the out break of World War II after the end of world war two USA maintained
political isolation from the European nations, USA as a strong nation
militarily and economically was very significant to maintain the world peace,
The United States, disillusioned with the Treaty of Versailles, with the
selfish nature of Allied war aims, and with the secret treaties they had signed
during the war, disavowed the treaty and the League of Nations included in it,
and retreated into political isolationism. Being a neutral state USA would be
able to reconcile the vanquished and the victor powers but her political
isolation made the war to become inevitable in 1939.
American isolation policy led
to the out break of World War II after the end of world war two USA maintained
political isolation from the European nations, USA as a strong nation
militarily and economically was very significant to maintain the world peace,
The United States, disillusioned with the Treaty of Versailles, with the
selfish nature of Allied war aims, and with the secret treaties they had signed
during the war, disavowed the treaty and the League of Nations included in it,
and retreated into political isolationism. Being a neutral state USA would be
able to reconcile the vanquished and the victor powers but her political
isolation made the war to become inevitable in 1939.
(xi)
The Spanish civil war in
1936-1939, Hitler tried out his new weapons on the side of right-wing military
rebels in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The venture brought him into
collaboration with Mussolini, who was also supporting the Spanish revolt after
having seized Ethiopia in the Italo-Ethiopian War of 1935-1936, treaties
between Germany, Italy, and Japan in 1936-1937 brought into being the
Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. The Axis Powers thereafter became the collective term
for those countries and their allies Germany and Italy used Spanish civil as
laboratory for testing their weapons, the weapons proved very effective that
made Italy and Germany to build confidence in themselves. Thus inspiring them
to wage a major war in order to realize their long term objectives like, to
regain their lost colonies, to dominant the world.
The Spanish civil war in
1936-1939, Hitler tried out his new weapons on the side of right-wing military
rebels in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The venture brought him into
collaboration with Mussolini, who was also supporting the Spanish revolt after
having seized Ethiopia in the Italo-Ethiopian War of 1935-1936, treaties
between Germany, Italy, and Japan in 1936-1937 brought into being the
Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. The Axis Powers thereafter became the collective term
for those countries and their allies Germany and Italy used Spanish civil as
laboratory for testing their weapons, the weapons proved very effective that
made Italy and Germany to build confidence in themselves. Thus inspiring them
to wage a major war in order to realize their long term objectives like, to
regain their lost colonies, to dominant the world.
EFFECTS
OF WORLD WAR TWO TO
AFRICA ON AFRICA.
AFRICA ON AFRICA.
(i) Involvement
of Africa into the
war some African were recruited to fight on the behalf of their colonial power
for stance the British colonies recruited the king African riffles (KAR) to
fight on the side of the allied forces.
war some African were recruited to fight on the behalf of their colonial power
for stance the British colonies recruited the king African riffles (KAR) to
fight on the side of the allied forces.
(ii) It led to
the rise of African
nationalism especially after the returning of ex-soldiers who begun to mobilize
their fellow Africans to fight against colonialism after getting awareness, it
was attributed both on internal and external forces.
nationalism especially after the returning of ex-soldiers who begun to mobilize
their fellow Africans to fight against colonialism after getting awareness, it
was attributed both on internal and external forces.
(iii) It led to the formation
of UN
after the collapse of the League of Nations where by African countries become
members of UN especially those that became independent.
after the collapse of the League of Nations where by African countries become
members of UN especially those that became independent.
(iv) Destruction of
African
agriculture and economic activities since the war reached in African soil like
in Somali land, Kenya, Libya and other parts African property were destroyed
agriculture and economic activities since the war reached in African soil like
in Somali land, Kenya, Libya and other parts African property were destroyed
(v) The
aftermath of second world
led to the intensive exploitation of African resources by the colonialist as to
compensate the losses that they incurred during the war although this led to
large scale nationalism if Africa.
led to the intensive exploitation of African resources by the colonialist as to
compensate the losses that they incurred during the war although this led to
large scale nationalism if Africa.
(vi) The World War II
led to the
rise of USA as leading capitalist nations which introduced open door policy Neo
colonialism as compensate what for having not colonized like European nations.
rise of USA as leading capitalist nations which introduced open door policy Neo
colonialism as compensate what for having not colonized like European nations.
(vii) It led to the spread of
socialist ideologies in Africa e.g. Some countries began to practice socialism
e.g. Ujamaa village in Tanganyika, commons mans charter in Uganda,
consciousness in Zambia etc.
socialist ideologies in Africa e.g. Some countries began to practice socialism
e.g. Ujamaa village in Tanganyika, commons mans charter in Uganda,
consciousness in Zambia etc.
(viii) The Second World War led to
death and suffering since many Africans fought on the side of their colonial
master. Around 100,000 Africans were mobilized in East and southern Africa
whereby, many of them died, there was outbreak of diseases and hunger killed
many Africans.
death and suffering since many Africans fought on the side of their colonial
master. Around 100,000 Africans were mobilized in East and southern Africa
whereby, many of them died, there was outbreak of diseases and hunger killed
many Africans.
(ix) It led to the
formation of None
Allied Movement (NAM) which was formed in 1955 in Bundug Indonesia whereby
neutral nations who did not belong in side, i.e. capitalism or communism.
Allied Movement (NAM) which was formed in 1955 in Bundug Indonesia whereby
neutral nations who did not belong in side, i.e. capitalism or communism.
(x) Collapse of
Italian colonialism
in Africa the war marked the end of Italian imperialism in Africa following the
defeat of central axis Italy lost her colonies of Libya and Eritrea.
in Africa the war marked the end of Italian imperialism in Africa following the
defeat of central axis Italy lost her colonies of Libya and Eritrea.
(xi) Transfer the
mandatory
territories to the UN trust ship and the trust territories were put under the
supervision of the UN which included Tanganyika Namibia, Rwanda Burundi and
many others.
territories to the UN trust ship and the trust territories were put under the
supervision of the UN which included Tanganyika Namibia, Rwanda Burundi and
many others.
(xii) Intensification of
exploitation
in the colonies measures were taken in te colonies to increase raw materials in
the metro pole, a lot of exports were needed from the colonies were needed to
rebuild the war ruined Europe, for example new taxes were introduced, land
alienation, forced cropping, processing industries.
in the colonies measures were taken in te colonies to increase raw materials in
the metro pole, a lot of exports were needed from the colonies were needed to
rebuild the war ruined Europe, for example new taxes were introduced, land
alienation, forced cropping, processing industries.
(xiii) Development of rural urban
protest, which was attributed to extreme exploitation in the colonies mass
discontent was developed both in the rural and workers in the urban centers who
manifested in the form of strikes and riots
protest, which was attributed to extreme exploitation in the colonies mass
discontent was developed both in the rural and workers in the urban centers who
manifested in the form of strikes and riots
(xiv) Introduction of new colonial
economic and social reforms and social policies in the colonies for example
import substation industries were encouraged in relation to education the
curriculum was changed and the emphasis was put on hand work and agriculture as
to envisage qualitative and quantitative production.
economic and social reforms and social policies in the colonies for example
import substation industries were encouraged in relation to education the
curriculum was changed and the emphasis was put on hand work and agriculture as
to envisage qualitative and quantitative production.
(xv) Led to environment
degradation
in the colonies. Was caused due to over use of the environment during that
period as to create enough commodity for export in the metro pole for example
land became exhausted.
in the colonies. Was caused due to over use of the environment during that
period as to create enough commodity for export in the metro pole for example
land became exhausted.
(xvi) State intervention in the
colonial
economy. The colonial state became increasingly
economy. The colonial state became increasingly
involved
in organizing coordinating and controlling commodity production in the colonies
where by it involved in marketing of export commodities by creating export
marketing boards, for Example Coffee marketing board in Kagera Lint marketing
board in Uganda.
in organizing coordinating and controlling commodity production in the colonies
where by it involved in marketing of export commodities by creating export
marketing boards, for Example Coffee marketing board in Kagera Lint marketing
board in Uganda.
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