Africa since independence

Many African states contained several tribes

Many African states contained several tribes or ethnic groups that had been held together under colonial rule. After independence, loyalty to tribe of

African states remained dependent on western

African states remained dependent on western countries and international markets for loans, investment, and trade. This gave foreign powers indirect c

Some leaders influenced by Marxist ideas

Some leaders influenced by Marxist ideas believed that a one-party state would bring unity and progress. In practice, this often reduced freedom and e

Many states had little industry

Many states had little industry, depended on one or two exports, and had shortages of capital and skilled workers. Falling world prices for export cro

When elected governments failed to solve

When elected governments failed to solve problems, armies often took over by force. Military rule became common in many post-independence African stat