African Decolonization: Independence Movements and Leaders

Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, was the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule on March 6, 1957.

Kwame Nkrumah was the first President of Ghana, serving from 1960 to 1966.

The year 1960 is often referred to as the 'Year of Africa' due to the large number of African countries that gained independence that year, including Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and Guinea.

The Kenya African National Union (KANU) was the political party led by Jomo Kenyatta that fought for Kenya's independence.

South Africa gained independence in 1990, marking the end of apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination.

The African National Congress (ANC) was the South African political party that led the anti-apartheid movement.

Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa, serving from 1994 to 1999.

The Lancaster House Agreement was the agreement that led to the end of white minority rule in Rhodesia and the establishment of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Angola gained independence in 1975 after a long and bloody war against Portuguese colonial rule.

The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) was the political party that led the struggle for independence in Angola.

Algeria gained independence in 1962 after a referendum.

The National Liberation Front (FLN) was the Algerian political party that led the struggle for independence.

Sudan gained independence in 1956 after a peaceful transition of power.

The National Umma Party (NUP) was the Sudanese political party that led the struggle for independence.

Cameroon gained independence in 1960 after a long and bloody war against French colonial rule.

The Union des Populations du Cameroun (UPC) was the Cameroonian political party that led the struggle for independence.