Colonial Africa and the Two World Wars, Policies and African Discontent for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 11
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: Colonial Africa
Previous Lesson: European Culture and Colonial Economy in Africa, Development and Underdevelopment
Topic: COLONIAL AFRICA AND THE TWO WORLD WARS, POLICIES AND AFRICAN DISCONTENT
Subject Matter: I; The causes of the first & second world wars and the re-division of colonial Africa; II; African soldiers’ participation in the world war besides being soldiers of III; The impact of the world wars on political and social economy development of Africa; IV; The colonial political policy e.g. exclusion of Africa education elites from government and establishment of privileges for Europeans; V; The economic policy e.g. exploitation of African resources both material and, human forced labour and taxation; VI; Social policy establishment of government reserved areas, racism, discrimination and pervasion of Africa culture

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Explain the main causes of the First and Second World Wars.
• Describe how colonial Africa was re-divided after the World Wars.
• Identify the roles and contributions of African soldiers in the World Wars.
• Discuss the political and socio-economic impacts of the World Wars on Africa.
• Outline the key features of colonial political, economic, and social policies in Africa.
• Give examples of African discontent arising from colonial policies.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the sacrifices made by African soldiers during the World Wars.
• Recognise the injustices of colonial policies and their long-term effects.
• Develop a critical perspective on historical events and their influence on present-day Africa.

Psychomotor Domain

• Participate actively in discussions and debates regarding the World Wars and colonialism.
• Present arguments on the impact of colonial policies on African societies.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Senior Secondary History textbook
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• World map showing colonial Africa before and after the World Wars
• Pictures or charts depicting African soldiers in uniform
• Charts illustrating colonial policies (e.g., forced labour, GRAs)
• Historical texts or excerpts detailing African experiences during the wars and colonialism

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is crucial for students to understand how global conflicts like the World Wars profoundly affected Africa, despite the continent not being a primary battleground. It sheds light on the nature of colonial rule, the discriminatory policies implemented, and the subsequent rise of African discontent, which laid the groundwork for independence movements. By studying these historical events, students gain insight into the foundations of modern African nations and their ongoing challenges.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have prior knowledge of the scramble for Africa, the establishment of colonial rule, and the general political landscape of Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

COLONIAL AFRICA AND THE TWO WORLD WARS, POLICIES AND AFRICAN DISCONTENT

Causes of the First and Second World Wars

The World Wars were global conflicts with complex origins, significantly impacting colonial Africa.

1. Causes of the First World War (1914-1918):
1. Militarism: An arms race and glorification of military power among European nations.
2. Alliances: Formation of rival military blocs (Triple Entente vs. Triple Alliance).
3. Imperialism: Competition for colonies and resources, particularly in Africa and Asia.
4. Nationalism: Intense patriotism and desire for self-determination, especially in the Balkans.
5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The immediate trigger, leading to a chain reaction of declarations of war.
2. Causes of the Second World War (1939-1945):
1. Treaty of Versailles: Harsh terms imposed on Germany after WWI, fostering resentment.
2. Rise of Fascism and Nazism: Aggressive expansionist ideologies in Italy (Mussolini) and Germany (Hitler).
3. Appeasement Policy: Britain and France’s failure to confront Hitler’s aggression early on.
4. Failure of the League of Nations: Inability to prevent aggression and maintain international peace.
5. Invasion of Poland: Germany’s invasion in September 1939, which directly triggered the war.

Re-division of Colonial Africa

The World Wars led to significant changes in the colonial map of Africa.

1. After WWI: German colonies (e.g., German East Africa, German South West Africa, Kamerun, Togoland) were taken over by the League of Nations and administered as mandates by Britain, France, Belgium, and South Africa.
2. After WWII: The war weakened European colonial powers, leading to increased demands for self-rule and eventually decolonisation, though no immediate large-scale re-division occurred as in WWI. The United Nations replaced the League of Nations and continued overseeing mandates, pushing for independence.

African Soldiers’ Participation in the World Wars

Africans played crucial roles in both World Wars, often under duress or false promises of improved conditions.

1. Recruitment: Africans were conscripted or voluntarily enlisted, often driven by economic hardship or loyalty to traditional leaders allied with colonial powers.
2. Roles: They served as porters, labourers, and combatants in various theatres of war, including East Africa, North Africa, and even Burma.
3. Contributions: African soldiers fought bravely, providing vital manpower and logistical support, which was essential for the Allied war effort.

Impact of the World Wars on Africa

The World Wars had profound political and socio-economic consequences for Africa.

1. Political Impact:
1. Increased political awareness and nationalism among Africans who had fought alongside Europeans.
2. Weakening of colonial powers, making them less able to resist demands for independence.
3. Exposure of the myth of European racial superiority, as Africans saw Europeans fighting each other.
4. Emergence of new political movements and leaders demanding self-rule.
2. Socio-Economic Impact:
1. Economic hardship due to increased taxation, forced labour, and diversion of resources for the war effort.
2. Inflation and scarcity of goods, leading to social unrest.
3. Urbanisation and social disruption as people moved to cities for war-related work.
4. Increased demand for African raw materials, but with little benefit to Africans.
5. Spread of diseases and famine in some areas.

Colonial Political Policy

Colonial political policies were designed to maintain European control and privilege.

1. Exclusion of African Educated Elites: Educated Africans were largely excluded from meaningful participation in colonial administration and legislative councils, despite their qualifications.
2. Establishment of Privileges for Europeans: Europeans held all key administrative positions, enjoyed superior legal rights, better housing, and higher salaries.
3. Indirect Rule: Utilisation of traditional African rulers to govern local populations, often undermining their authority and traditional systems.
4. Limited Political Representation: Africans had minimal or no representation in colonial legislative bodies, and their voices were largely ignored.

Colonial Economic Policy

Colonial economic policies focused on exploiting African resources for the benefit of the colonial powers.

1. Exploitation of African Resources: Extensive extraction of raw materials (minerals, cash crops like cocoa, groundnuts, palm oil) for export to European industries.
2. Forced Labour: Africans were often compelled to work on colonial plantations, mines, and infrastructure projects (e.g., railways, roads) with little or no pay.
3. Taxation: Introduction of various taxes (e.g., hut tax, poll tax) payable in cash, forcing Africans into the wage economy or to grow cash crops.
4. Land Alienation: Seizure of fertile African lands for European settlers or commercial enterprises.
5. Suppression of Local Industries: Policies discouraged the growth of local industries to ensure a market for European manufactured goods.

Colonial Social Policy

Colonial social policies were characterised by segregation, discrimination, and attempts to impose European cultural norms.

1. Establishment of Government Reserved Areas (GRAs): Segregated residential areas where Europeans lived, often on higher ground with better amenities, separate from African settlements.
2. Racism and Discrimination: Systemic belief in European racial superiority, leading to social, economic, and political discrimination against Africans.
3. Pervasion of African Culture: Attempts to suppress or undermine traditional African languages, religions, customs, and social structures, often through missionary education and colonial laws.
4. Unequal Access to Education and Healthcare: Limited and often inferior educational and healthcare facilities for Africans compared to those provided for Europeans.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Debate, Role-playing

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews previous lessons on the establishment of colonial rule in Africa, asking questions like, “What was the main purpose of colonial rule in Africa?” and “Can you name some colonial powers in Africa?” The teacher then introduces the day’s topic, linking it to the global events of the World Wars.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Review of colonialism

Step 2: Causes of World Wars and Re-division

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the main causes of the First and Second World Wars, highlighting how imperialism and competition for colonies were contributing factors. The teacher then describes the re-division of colonial Africa, particularly the fate of former German colonies after WWI, using a world map as a visual aid.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the map, and ask clarifying questions about the causes and re-division.

Learning Point: World War causes and re-division

Step 3: African Soldiers’ Participation

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Narration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the participation of African soldiers in the World Wars, explaining how they were recruited, their roles (porters, labourers, combatants), and the various theatres of war where they served. The teacher may show pictures of African soldiers to illustrate their contributions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the accounts, observe the pictures, and discuss the sacrifices made by African soldiers.

Learning Point: African war contributions

Step 4: Impact of World Wars on Africa

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the political and socio-economic impacts of the World Wars on Africa. The teacher prompts students to think about how the wars might have changed African perspectives on colonial rule and their own desire for independence.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute ideas, discuss the various impacts, and share their thoughts on how the wars influenced African nationalism.

Learning Point: War impacts on Africa

Step 5: Colonial Political Policy

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Elaboration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the nature of colonial political policies, focusing on the exclusion of educated African elites from government and the establishment of privileges for Europeans. The teacher provides examples of how these policies manifested in different colonies.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions about the discriminatory political structures.

Learning Point: Colonial political policies

Step 6: Colonial Economic and Social Policies

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further explains the colonial economic policies, such as the exploitation of resources, forced labour, and taxation. The teacher then describes the social policies, including the establishment of Government Reserved Areas (GRAs), racism, discrimination, and the pervasion of African culture.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify key aspects of economic and social exploitation, and discuss their implications.

Learning Point: Economic, social policies

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Mention two causes of the First World War.
2. How did African soldiers participate in the World Wars?
3. State two political impacts of the World Wars on Africa.
4. Explain one colonial economic policy and one social policy.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes into their notebooks, ensuring they capture the main points on causes, re-division, participation, impacts, and colonial policies.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 0 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reinforces the main idea that the World Wars significantly accelerated the process of African nationalism and exposed the injustices of colonial rule, leading to increased demands for independence. The teacher encourages students to reflect on the long-term consequences of these historical events.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s key takeaways.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Research and write a short essay (200-250 words) on one of the following:

1. The role of a specific African ethnic group or region in either the First or Second World War.
2. How the establishment of Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) contributed to social inequality in colonial Nigeria.
3. Organise a debate on the topic: “The World Wars were a blessing in disguise for African nationalism.”
4. Visit a local Government Reserved Area (GRA) if possible, and observe the architecture and layout, noting any historical markers. Write a brief report on your observations.

Lesson Keywords

• World War I – Global conflict from 1914-1918.
• World War II – Global conflict from 1939-1945.
• Colonialism – Policy of acquiring full or partial political control over another country.
• Re-division – The reallocation of colonial territories, especially after WWI.
• Mandates – Territories transferred from the control of one state to another under international supervision.
• Forced Labour – Compulsory unpaid work imposed by colonial authorities.
• Taxation – Levying of taxes by colonial governments on Africans.
• GRAs (Government Reserved Areas) – Segregated residential areas for Europeans during colonial rule.
• Racism – Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race.
• African Discontent – Dissatisfaction and opposition among Africans towards colonial rule.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, the teacher will provide simplified explanations of the causes of the World Wars and colonial policies, focusing on key terms and basic impacts. Visual aids like maps and pictures will be used extensively. Faster learners will be encouraged to conduct deeper research into specific colonial policies or the experiences of African soldiers, and to lead discussions or debates on the long-term implications of these historical events.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search on YouTube for:

• “Impact of World War I on Africa”
• “African soldiers in World War II”
• “Colonial policies in Africa”
• “Causes of World War 1 and 2 explained”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a world map, pictures of African soldiers, and charts on colonial policies ready. Begin by briefly reviewing the concept of colonialism to set the stage. Systematically present the causes of both World Wars, emphasizing their global nature and impact on Africa. Discuss the re-division of Africa after WWI. Dedicate time to explain the roles and contributions of African soldiers, fostering appreciation for their sacrifices. Guide students through the political and socio-economic impacts of the wars on Africa, encouraging critical thinking. Clearly explain the distinct features of colonial political, economic, and social policies, providing concrete examples. Use the activities of discussion and debate to engage students actively. During note-taking, ensure students copy the Board Summary accurately. For the continuous assessment, encourage the field trip to a GRA only if it is safe and feasible, otherwise focus on the research and essay options. Be mindful of sensitive topics like racism and discrimination, handling them with care and promoting respectful dialogue.