Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa
Future Imperfect?
Andrew W. M. Smith (Editor), Chris Jeppesen (Editor)
Looking at decolonization in the conditional tense, this volume teases out the complex and uncertain ends of British and French empire in Africa during the period of ‘late colonial shift’ after 1945. Rather than view decolonization as an inevitable process, the contributors together explore the crucial historical moments in which change was negotiated, compromises were made, and debates were staged.
Three core themes guide the analysis: development, contingency and entanglement. The chapters consider the ways in which decolonization was governed and moderated by concerns about development and profit. A complementary focus on contingency allows deeper consideration of how colonial powers planned for ‘colonial futures’, and how divergent voices greeted the end of empire. Thinking about entanglements likewise stresses both the connections that existed between the British and French empires in Africa, and those that endured beyond the formal transfer of power.
Related titles
Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa
Future Imperfect?
Looking at decolonization in the conditional tense, this volume teases out the complex and uncertain ends of British and French empire in Africa during the period of ‘late colonial shift’ after 1945. Rather than view decolonization as an inevitable process, the contributors together explore the crucial historical moments in which change was negotiated, compromises were made, and debates were staged.
Three core themes guide the analysis: development, contingency and entanglement. The chapters consider the ways in which decolonization was governed and moderated by concerns about development and profit. A complementary focus on contingency allows deeper consideration of how colonial powers planned for ‘colonial futures’, and how divergent voices greeted the end of empire. Thinking about entanglements likewise stresses both the connections that existed between the British and French empires in Africa, and those that endured beyond the formal transfer of power.
‘This is a work on imperial history the way it should be done.’
History: Reviews of New Books
‘… On the whole the collection offers some stimulating points, such as Martin Shipway’s final remarks … Marta Musso’s persuasive discussion on the diplomatic struggle for control of hydrocarbon resources during the Algerian War of Independence … and a compelling chapter by Joanna Warson on how the French responded to migratory flows of Francophone Africans to British West Africa.’
Africa: Journal of the International African Institute
‘the essays that comprise Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa go a long way in adding to the growing literature surrounding the uncertainty and ‘imperfection’’
Journal of African History
