Abstract
How does the way a colony gains independence from its power impact that colony’s future development? It is well documented that being a former colony has an impact on how a nation develops once they are independent, however, what is not clear is if a nation’s development is impacted by the way they separate from their colonial power. This paper argues that there is a correlation between the way a colony gains their independence and how developed they are. For the sake of this research three main ways of gaining independence will be considered: though violent resistance, peaceful negotiations, or a willing granting of independence. In this research these methods have been observed to have vastly different effects on development; both politically and economically. Utilizing historical analysis and statistical comparison alongside case studies between France and its former colonies of Algeria, Morrocco, and Niger this paper endeavors to find if a specific pathway to independence influences different development outcomes.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Ransford Edwards
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-2-2025 2:15 PM
End Date
4-3-2025 12:00 AM
Exit Strategy: How Methods of Gaining Independence from European Colonial Powers Impact Development in Post-Colonial African Nations
Alvin Sherman Library
How does the way a colony gains independence from its power impact that colony’s future development? It is well documented that being a former colony has an impact on how a nation develops once they are independent, however, what is not clear is if a nation’s development is impacted by the way they separate from their colonial power. This paper argues that there is a correlation between the way a colony gains their independence and how developed they are. For the sake of this research three main ways of gaining independence will be considered: though violent resistance, peaceful negotiations, or a willing granting of independence. In this research these methods have been observed to have vastly different effects on development; both politically and economically. Utilizing historical analysis and statistical comparison alongside case studies between France and its former colonies of Algeria, Morrocco, and Niger this paper endeavors to find if a specific pathway to independence influences different development outcomes.
