The Second World War (WW II: September 1,
1939 – September 2, 1945)
The aftermath of the Second World War,
which lasted from September 1, 1939 to September 2, 1945, triggered a surge in
political consciousness within British colonies, particularly Gold Coast (now
Ghana). Numerous factors contributed to the rise of Nationalism and formation
of political parties aimed at opposing decisions made by the British colonial
governments.
These factors can be broadly
classified into social, economic, and political categories. This article will
focus on outlining those factors that contributed to opposition against British
colonial rule.
To begin with, the introduction of the
1946 constitution designed by Sir Allan Burns - Governor of Gold Coast - was a
significant turning point. Although this constitution provided Asante
representation in Legislative Council (LC) for the first time, it had numerous
drawbacks that were detrimental to Gold Coasters' interests.
The educated elites dubbed it an
"outmoded constitution" due to its limitations on their prospects for
self-governance; they believed that the document would pave a path toward
independence but found out otherwise after Witson Churchill signed the Atlantic
Charter following World War II.
Another critical factor leading to the rise of nationalism was the adoption and implementation of ‘indirect rule’ in British colonies. Indirect rule entailed natural rulers or chiefs actively participating in colonial administration - serving as mouthpieces/middlemen between Europeans and the indigenous populations while excluding educated elites from participating in political administration within their colony. This exclusion left them agitated hence opposed colonial governance.
In addition to these two main triggers
mentioned above is racial discrimination which was prevalent within public
sectors contributing immensely to nationalism's growth among the Gold Coasters.
Indigenous people were discriminated against when securing jobs leading to high
unemployment rates throughout the society. Even when given opportunities for
work inside public sectors, they receive less payment than European workers
performing similar tasks.
Finally, yet importantly, Independence
movements elsewhere such as India, Burma and other Asian countries taught
African intelligentsia that through hard work and determination people could
become independent to motivate nationalists fight for independence - opposing colonization’s
grip over their lives with fierce determination while struggling for liberty
thanks to Governor Allan Burns who initiated reforms necessary for political
independence and progress back then.