1956: Sudan Becomes Independent
Before independence, Sudan had been under joint Egyptian-British rule. There was an organised referendum to determine whether Sudan would become part of Egypt or be totally independent. The Sudanese voted…
1956: Tunisia and Morocco Become Independent
In 1956, full-scale opposition to French rule compelled the French to grant independence to Morocco where M'barek Bekkai became Premier, and Tunisia where Habib Bourguiba became Prime Minister.
1952: Mau Mau Begin Terrorist Actions Against British in Kenya
The British Governor of Kenya declared a state of emergency as the Mau Mau began an open revolt against British rule. Hundreds of Kikuyu tribesmen were arrested by the British.…
1948: South Africa Embraces Apartheid
In a general election, a Nationalist Afrikaaner bloc led by Daniel Malan defeated the coalition of United and Labor Parties under Prime Minister Smuts. The new government had been elected…
1947: Revolt Against French Rule in Madagascar
There was an outbreak of a nationalist rebellion in Madagascar. “White settlers were assaulted, plantations burned and French garrisons attacked.” It took the French more than 12 months to put…
Antique photograph of the first Italo-Ethiopian war (1895-1896): Mekelle fort battle
1935: Ethiopia Invaded by Italy
Antique photograph of the first Italo-Ethiopian war (1895-1896): Mekelle fort battle. GETTY Image On October 3rd, 1935 Italy invaded Ethiopia under several pretexts for the invasion. Actually, the only real…