CENTRAL AFRICAN FEDERATION

Question 1

When was the Central African Federation formed and when was it dissolved?

Answer 1

• The Central African Federation, also known as the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, was formed in 1953 and dissolved in 1963.

Question 2

Provide 3 reason for the formation of the CAF?

Answer 2

• it was seen as way to promote economic development
• Strengthen British control over the region
• Seen as a way to begin transition to majority rule

Question 3

• What was the impact of the CAF on British control over the region?

Answer 3

• After the approval of the Federal constitution of 1953, the following were possible
• Two Africans and one European would be elected form each territory to represent African interests
• Six members of parliament would be elected to represent African interest: three Europeans and three Africans: Their purpose was to examine unfair legislation by the federal parliament and could veto such legislation. However the Governor general had power to set the veto aside

Question 4

• What were the economic impacts of the CAF? (3)

Answer 4

• It led to an increase in European immigrants and investment which led to economic boom in Zambia by 1956.
• In 1958 the LegCo allowed Africans to work as industrial apprentices. From 1960 Africans could be trained as firemen and engine drivers;
• Social benefits were available to whites in the copper-belt e.g free medical services were not available to Africans. Hence most Africans opposed the federation

Question 5

What was the impact of CAF towards majority rule in the three colonies?

Answer 5

• In 1948, National Labor bureau was established to look into the African minimum wage issue. Africans were not included as members
• Africans in Zimbabwe were being elected to special seats in the Federal parliament such as Joshua Nkomo (general secretary of the Railways African workers Union and the president of the Trade Union Congress)

Question 6

What were the reasons for the Collapse of CAF?

Answer 6

• Ethnic and Racial Tension
• Political and Economic Inequalities
• Decolonization and International Pressure

Question 7

Explain Ethnic and racial tension

Answer 7

• The “Wind of Change” speech delivered by British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in 1960.
• His speech also highlighted the challenges posed by racial segregation and discrimination within the federation. Macmillan’s speech indirectly criticised the white minority rule in Southern Rhodesia, where racial segregation and discriminatory policies were deeply entrenched.

Question 8

Explain political and economic inequalities

Answer 8

• The political system within the federation was designed to maintain white minority rule, especially in Southern Rhodesia. This exclusionary system marginalized African political voices and aspirations, fueling nationalist movements and calls for independence. African leaders such as Kenneth Kaunda in Northern Rhodesia and Hastings Banda in Nyasaland opposed this political inequality and advocated for self-rule and equality, contributing to the federation’s eventual collapse.

Question 9

Explain decolonisation and international pressure.

Answer 9

• During the 1950s and 1960s, there was a wave of decolonization across Africa, with many countries gaining independence from European colonial powers. This global shift towards self-determination and independence influenced the political landscape in the Central African Federation. International pressure, combined with internal resistance from African nationalists, ultimately led to the dissolution of the federation in 1963, as each territory pursued its path towards independence.