Role And Influence Of Colonial Administrators (1947-67) Flashcards
(25 cards)
Why did colonial administrators have to be more flexible in this period?
. Fast changing public mood
. Had to make changes going against idea that Britain knew how to control colonies best
. Had to hear out independence claims of the colonies
. Had to be willing to deal with nationalist leaders who became irritated by vague British promises of self-determination
. Had to deal with the rapidly changing attitudes within the colonial office in London (policy kept changing)
What was Sir Andrew Cohen’s education like?
. Public school education (typical)
. Degree in classics from Cambridge
What were some of Andrew Cohen’s achievements?
1947 - became assistant under-secretary of state for the colonial office’s African division
1947 - cohen report set our new direction for colonial policy, mapping out the gradual reform by which the colonies could eventually become independent nations
1952 - became governor of Uganda, serving until 1957
What were some of Cohen’s main beliefs?
. Listening to nationalist leaders
. Giving power to indigenous elites
. Wanted gradual move towards colonial independence, while many nationalist leaders wanted rapid change
What area of imperialism was cohen mainly concerned with?
. Concerned with African affairs, except for one brief spell during WW2
. Raised concerns about treatment of Africans in the colonies, particularly the South Africans living under apartheid
. Extreme white supremacy in the Afrikaner-dominated apartheid system, threatening the spreading of north from South Africa
. Cohen preferred ‘paternalistic colonialism’ with British-run colonies, so he proposed the CAF
When was the Central African federation created and dissolved?
Created in 1953, unsuccessful and dissolved in 1963
What did cohen do as governor of Uganda?
. Brought Ugandans into government
. Encouraged development of political parties
. Expanded university of Makerere
. Initially responded heavily to Buganda emergency but later showed ability to compromise
. Helped to lay groundwork for Uganda’s independence in 1962
Why was there major unrest in Buganda between 1953-55?
British had proposed to set up an East African federation
. Buganda people felt this would destroy their culture
. Mutesa II (king) called for separation of Buganda from rest of Uganda
How did cohen respond to Mutesa’s call for a separation of Buganda from rest of Uganda?
. Deported Mutesa to London in 1953
. This set off huge protest
. Cohen declared state of emergency in Buganda
How did Cohen make compromises after the Bugandan emergency?
1955 Buganda agreement: Mutesa II restored as king (Kabaka)
Who was important in discussing Uganda’s steps forward as an independent nation?
Mutesa II: became Uganda’s first president in 1962
Which British official was responsible for managing Nigeria’s transition to independence?
Sir John Macpherson
Where was John Macpherson educated?
He was Scottish and went to Edinburgh uni
What were Macpherson’s roles before becoming governor-general of Nigeria?
. 1921-37: worked in Malayan Civil service
. Worked in various posts in Caribbean, Palestine and USA
What were Macpherson’s main achievements as governor general of Nigeria from 1948-55?
. Moved colonial administration gradually towards reform, opening up higher levels of administration to Nigerians.
. Organised a major conference in 1951 to open discussions on a constitution which could include Nigerian participation in government from the different regions
- this became the federal ‘Macpherson constitution’ in 1951
What part of the Macpherson constitution were nationalist leaders in Nigeria appalled at and what were generally some of the problems with the constitution?
The fact that under the constitution, the governor general still had power to veto any decisions
- the constitution led to conflict and competition between the politicians from the diverse and very different regions of Nigeria
What was the main positive about the Macpherson constitution?
Helped to make sure an independent, federal Nigeria came about in 1960
How was the Macpherson constitution developed further to meet the demands of nationalists in Nigeria who demanded independence?
New constitution created by Oliver Lyttleton (colonial secretary) for greater regional autonomy in 1954
When did an independent, federal Nigeria finally emerge?
1960
Where was Arden Clarke’s early life and education?
. Born in India
. Son of Church of England missionary
. Educated at public school
. Entered colonial service in 1920
How was Arden Clarke similar to Macpherson as an administrator?
Saw his role as a facilitator of self-rule and independence for the colonies, rather than a barrier to it
How did Arden-Clarke successfully diffuse the riots, strikes and imprisonments that were causing volatility in West Africa?
Played a big role in getting Nkrumah released from prison in 1951
- also helped bring him into government
How was Arden-Clarke very sensible in dealing with highly complex situations in West Africa?
. Acted as an intermediary between Nkrumah and Asante politicians that were concerned about a dominating educated/westernised elite in the new Ghanaian state
. His strategy was based on working closely with Nkrumah but was willing to disagree with him
What was an example of a time when Arden-Clarke sensibly disagreed with Nkrumah?
Delayed timetable for independence to allow for third general election under colonial rule in 1956 so that Nkrumah could demonstrate that he carried the support of the people despite growing Asante criticism, ensuring that when independence was declared it would be stable
