Colonialism and struggles in Africa, from independence to the current crisis – Paul Martial

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Outline of last years' lecture

Economic point of view

A short economic history

Slavery destroys economic development in Africa
- demographic drain
- prevents agricultural activities
- allows on the contrary the economic growth of Europe
(triangular trade, expansion of costal cities, expansion of naval activities, expansion of trade)

Colonialism contributes to the economic formatting of the Continent
The economic activities in Africa are only in function of the needs of the imperialist countries.
Export oriented agriculture.

The place of Africa in globalisation: a paradox

A small part of the world economy

Export products are decisive (oil, mineral ores)

Attacks by imperialism
The debt
Economic partnership agreements
Land grabbing

Which alternative economic solutions

The importance of this question (proves that other roads are possible)

Self centred development answering to the needs of the people

Development of family farming

The political genesis of the Continent

Before independence

Differentiation of communities confronted with slavery

Slavery generates racism

Resistances to colonialism

Independence of the African countries

Importance of the first world war

The growth of national struggles

Second world war

The decolonisation process
France
Great Britain
Portugal
Belgium

The game of the different powers in Africa

France and the concept of “Françafrique”

The United States of America

The arrival of the emerging countries

Overview of the social and political situation

Farmers struggles

Against land grabbing

For food sovereignty

Urban struggles

On trade-unions

Fights against austerity

Food crisis

The situation of the forces of the left

The policies of the liberation fronts in power

The weakness of the African left

The prospective of building alternative forces