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1939-1945
As the second world war raged in Europe, the African states began to push for independence while the European stares were weak. At the time, Africa was a shatter belt, many countries were competing for land or trying to impose their laws on them, A.K.A. colonialism. -
1951
Libya became the first African state to gain their independence from their Italian rule, making it the first autonomous nation in the region. -
1952
Egypt became the second state to gain independence from the British. -
1954
Algeria began their war against France for their independence. -
1960
The French Empire was falling apart and lost it's grip on many African countries. The Central African Republic, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Madagascar, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Niger, and Chad, all gained independence. Most of these states were multinational since they were forced together all of a sudden, containing many different cultures. -
1962
After years of fighting back against France, Algeria won it's independence in a gruesomely fought war. -
1963
Kenya and Uganda were freed from British rule after many years of struggle and events like the Mau Mau uprising, which was an 8 year war against Britain. The Organization of African Unity was formed which fought for the states independence. -
Period: to
1964-1968
Lesotho, Swaziland, Gambia, Zanzibar and Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Mauritius, all gained independence. -
1975
Angola and Mozambique engaged in battles with Portugal and eventually earned their independence. -
1990
Namibia becomes the last African state to gain it's independence, -
Period: to
1998-2003
The Great African War began, involving many countries and causing between 3-6 million deaths in the fighting.