In the late nineteenth century, European powers claimed the African continent for themselves. But Africans did not submit to outside control willingly. How did Africans resist European colonialism?

The Choice’s Program’s popular curriculum unit “Colonization and Independence in Africa” explores Africa before colonialism. Students then examine African responses and resistance to colonialism, the challenges of independence, and the legacies of colonialism and independence. They delve into four case studies (Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Democratic Republic of the Congo) and consider the changes colonialism imposed on governments, economies, and societies. The unit contains seven lesson plans that cover political geography, photo analysis, oral history, and assessment of primary and secondary sources.

This curriculum unit is part of our new Africana Studies Series that helps students critically examine, explore, and analyze unique experiences of African people and African-descended people.

For the curriculum, click this link. For more information on the Choices Program’s Africana Studies, click this link.