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Period: to
1945-Present
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Apartheid Begins
The National Party of South Africa legislated and enforced laws that helped maintained white superiority in South Africa. In 1990 Frederik Willem de Klerk begins abolishing apartheid laws and helps create new voting laws. -
Libyan Independence
On this date Libya gained its independence from Italy. It was the first time in about 30 years since Egypt, that a nation claimed its independence in Africa. This started a wave of independence throughout the continent. -
Wave of Independence
Starting with Cameroon, over 17 nations claim their independence in 1960. Showing the weakening grip of former European powers over their colonies. -
Mandela Arrest
Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist, was arrested for encouraging workers to strike and illegaly leave the country of South Africa. He spent 27 years in prision until he was released by Frederik Willem de Klerk. -
Nigerian-Biafran War
The Nigerian-Biafran War starts when the South-eastern portion of Nigeria, proclaimed Biafra tries to seceed from Nigeria. Nigeria ends up winning, but a total of 1 to 3 million people die from war, famine, and other causes. -
Under Military Rule
In the 1970s and onward, many parts of Africa were under military dictatorships. The military was seen as the only way to control the conflicts that arised during colonial times. -
HIV/AIDS becomes prevalent
Before the late 80s, HIV/AIDS was nearly unheard of in most of Sub-Saharan Africa. Starting in the 90s life expectancies plummeted with the spread of HIV/AIDS. Some contribute the fast spread due to the "brain drain", or western conspiracy plots. -
Rwandan Genocide
Over 500,000 people die in the Rwandan Genocide. A battle between the Hutu and Tutsi people of Rwanda lead to mass murders of the Tutsi, helped and coordinated by the national government and local authorities. -
Egyptian Revolution
Egyptians peacefully protested the rule of Hosni Mubarak. Despite this they were met back with deadly forces. Over 846 people died, but Mubarak's regime was overthrown. This soon started an outbreak of revolutions all through out Northern Africa. -
Muammar al-Gaddafi is killed
During the Libyan Civil War, Muammar_al-Gaddafi is captured and killed. He advocated African nationalism and supporting non-reliance on outside countries/continents. However, he held a dictatorial and violent rule over Libya and outside and internal forces overthrew and killed him.
