African nationalism

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African nationalism is the nationalist political movement for one united Africa, or the lesser goal of the recognition of African tribes by establishing their own state and preservation of their native cultures. Organizations like the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society in the Gold Coast (founded 1897, the African National Congress in South Africa (1912) and the National Congress of West Africa (1920).

When freed slaves and other descendants of Afro-American people began returning to the African continent, mainly in the western part. Many overseas controlled churches were abandoned by a great number of Africans, and independent churches were founded. These were often involved in the fight against colonialism.

Between World War I and World War II, a loud cry for self-determination was uttered by many rebellious groups in an increasing number of African countries. By the time World War II broke out, almost every country in Africa had his own nationalist groups and there were even a few organizations that reached entire regions of Africa, such as the National Congress of British West Africa. The Atlantic Charter from 1941 and the critical approach of colonialism by the USSR only strengthened this ideology.

In the years after World War II, African nationalism was greatly inspired by men like Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) and Nelson Mandela (South Africa).