African Independence

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Many countries in the world set aside a special holiday to mark their independence, or the day in history that their country was freed from the control of another country.

In the United States, Americans celebrate July 4 as their Independence Day, the date on which early American leaders declared in 1776 that Great Britain no longer controlled them.

Great Britain and several other European countries would remain in control of many other parts of the world, however. This period, known as the era of European colonialism, lasted from the sixteenth century through the mid-twentieth century.

Colonialism was the practice of taking control over a foreign place and people in order to build power and wealth. Colonialism is as old as history, but never before had nations dominated so much of the earth and for so long.

There was a popular saying, “The sun never sets on the British Empire,” used to describe the fact that the British held colonies all over the world.

To learn more about colonialism, take a look at this map showing all the world empires and colonies in 1914. Click on the plus sign for a list of the countries shown in the map key.

As you examine the map, write down the answers to these questions.

• Which countries held foreign colonies in 1914?
• Which country held the most colonies at the time?
• Which continent was the most colonized by European countries at the time?

Now, consider these questions.

• What might cause one country to occupy another one?
• What do you think might be some effects of colonialism?

You may have noticed that the European countries had more colonies in Africa than any other continent.

In the Got It? section, uncover the story of how the countries of Africa gained their independence.