CRISES IN THE CAPITALIST SYSTEM

CRISES IN THE CAPITALIST SYSTEM.

Crisis refers to a period of great danger, difficulty, or confusion, characterized by serious problems requiring quick decisions. 

Capitalist economy is a production system whereby major production sectors like Industries, Agriculture, Mining and Commerce are owned and run by private firms and individuals. 

• Under this system, the governments set rules and regulations as well as collection of tariffs and taxes.

It is different from Socialist economy, whereby production sectors like Industries, Agriculture, Mining and Commerce are owned and run by the state or government; For Example the USSR's economy in the 1980's.

In the context of capitalism, crises are problems, conflicts and disruptions that negatively affected capitalist production, especially in Europe and its colonies in Africa and Asia.

The capitalist crises include:

1. The First World War (WWI).

2. The Great Economic Depression(GED.

3. The Second World War (WWII).

1. THE FIRST WORLD WAR (1914–1918).

The First World War was an imperialist conflict fought between two rival alliances:

• Triple Entente: France, Britain, and Russia.

• Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

The war began on Tuesday, 28 July 1914, and ended on Monday, 11 November 1918.

CAUSE OF THE WAR.

The immediate cause was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, on Sunday, 28 June 1914. 

The assassin was Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian nationalist group known as the Black Hand.

On the morning of June 28, 1914, Franz Ferdinand and his wife visited Sarajevo.

At that hour a group of six assassins from the Black Hand had already positioned themselves along the motorcade route.

One of them known as Cabrinovic, threw a grenade, which missed the Archduke but injured others nearby.

Later, as the convoy was returning from the hospital where they had visited the wounded, it took a wrong turn and coincidentally passed by Gavrilo Princip, who shot and killed both Ferdinand and Sophie.

DIPLOMATIC CONSEQUENCES.

Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia and issued an ultimatum on 23 July 1914 with three main demands:

1. A formal apology and full information about the assassination.

2. Allowing Austro-Hungarian officials to participate in the investigation in Serbia.

3. Suppressing anti-Austrian groups and removing involved Serbian officials.

Serbia accepted all conditions except allowing Austrian investigators enter its territory as the act threatened its sovereignty.

OUTBREAK OF WAR;

On 28 July 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia and bombarded Belgrade.

Russia, allied with Serbia, began mobilizing against Austria-Hungary.

Germany, allied with Austria-Hungary, issued ultimatums to Russia and France, demanding demobilization and neutrality.

France refused, and Germany declared war on France on 3 August 1914.

Britain entered the war on 4 August 1914 to support its allies in the Triple Entente.

USA INVOLVEMENT.

The United States joined on 6 April 1917 to support the Triple Entente, because;

• German U-boats sunk four U.S millitary ships carrying food and supplies to the Entente powers.

• To protect loans and supplies it had given to the Entente powers.

• Most U.S people have British origin. They migrated to America during the Triangular/Trans-Atlantic slave trade

END OF THE WAR.

The war ended on 11 November 1918, with the defeat of Germany and the Triple Alliance.

CAUSES OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR.

The causes of World War I can be categorized into two major groups:

• Long-term (Underlying) Causes.

• Short-term (Immediate) Causes.

A. LONG-TERM CAUSES.

These were deep-rooted historical and political tensions that built up over long period of time and laid the foundation for the outbreak of war in 1914.

1. The Development of Capitalism.

By the 1860s, capitalism had developed into its highest stage known as imperialism. This created economic rivalry among major capitalist powers such as Germany, France, Britain, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. They competed over:

• Raw materials.

• Markets for their goods.

• Areas for investment.

• Sources of cheap labor.

For example, Germany fought France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, annexing the coal-rich territories of Alsace and Lorraine, which became a major reason of enemity.

2. Unequal Division of Colonies.

The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 partitioned Africa among European powers. 

However, the division was seen as unfair by countries like Italy, which received fewer colonies compared to Britain, which obtained a “lion’s share.” 

This colonial dissatisfaction sowed hatred and rivalry among European powers.

3. Formation of Military Alliances.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries there was formation of hostile military alliances:

• Triple Alliance: Germany (1879 with Austria), Austria-Hungary, and later Italy (1882).

• Triple Entente: France, Russia (1890 treaty), and later Britain joined through the Entente Cordiale.

These alliances were meant to guarantee mutual protection but instead created an atmosphere of suspicion and increased arms production, creating a war ready Europe.

4. The French Revenge Movement.

After the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), Germany annexed Alsace and Lorraine, creating hatred among French people towards German. 

This sparked the Revenge Movement (or Revanchism), as the French sought to regain their lost provinces. 

This nationalist desire for revenge pushed France to join Russia and Britain to avenge for her taken territories.

5. The Balkan Crisis (Balkan Nationalism).

The Balkan Peninsula, comprising countries like Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, and others, became a centre for nationalist movements and foreign interference.

Austria-Hungary sought to dominate Serbia.

Serbia, supportrd by Russia, resisted through underground nationalist groups.

This tension created repeated crises, including wars in the Balkans, and resulted to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip in 1914.

6. The Moroccan Crises (1905 and 1911).

Conflict arose between Germany and France over Morocco, a French protectorate.

In 1905 and 1911, Germany challenged French control by docking Millitary ships near Morocco trying to help them to regain independence from French.

Germany wasn’t interested in colonizing Morocco but wanted to weaken France and prevent her from regaining Alsace-Lorraine.

These crises increased hostility between Germany and France and pushed Europe closer to war.

7. Arms Race and Militarism.

Big European powers, especially Germany and Britain, engaged in a massive arms race:

• Germany increased its army from 400,000 to 800,000 soldiers.

• Britain maintained naval dominance but faced pressure from Germany’s expanding navy.

• Military budgets were expanded and nations built huge standing armies with modern weapons and war plans.

This militarism created an atmosphere ready for war, where disputes could quickly escalate into full-scale war.

SHORT-TERM (IMMEDIATE) CAUSE OF WORLD WAR I.

8. The immediate cause of World War I, was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie on 28th June 1914 in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia.

The Archduke was on an official visit to Bosnia when he and his wife were shot and killed by Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Serbian nationalist and a member of the secret group known as the Black Hand.

IMPACTS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR ON AFRICA.

Although World War I was physically fought in Europe, Africa was deeply affected,

because it was under European colonial rule. 

The war brought significant changes and suffering to African territories, especially those under German control such as;

1. Change of Colonial masters.

After Germany's defeat, all its colonies, including Tanganyika, Rwanda, Burundi, Togo, Cameroon, and Namibia, were taken away and placed under the control of other colonial powers as League of Nations mandates.

This change in administration changed the way colonies were governed, causing poor living conditions for Africans.

2. Death of many African people.

Many Africans died during the war, especially those recruited as soldiers and carriers by colonial powers, especially in German East Africa (Tanganyika) and Togo.

3. Spread of Diseases.

The war led to the spread of communicable diseases due to overcrowding, poor hygiene, and lack of medical care.

4. Destruction of Properties.

Farmlands, mines, and infrastructure such as railways and ports in German colonies were destroyed during the fighting.

5. Disruption of External Trade.

Africa bought industrial goods and exported raw materials before the war.

This trade declined because European economic sectors like Industries were badly destroyed by the explosions, leading to stagnation of industrial production and reduced demand for African raw materials.

6. Increased Exploitation.

To compensate for losses, colonial powers intensified exploitation:

• Land alienation (Africans lost their lands).

• Low wages.

• Forced labor.

• Introduction of cash crop schemes to boost exports.

7. Drop in Raw Material Prices.

Due to the economic crisis in Europe, prices for African raw materials like cotton, cocoa, and minerals dropped due to low demand in Europe, affecting African farmers and laborers.

8. Introduction of Agricultural Schemes.

Colonial governments introduced schemes to increase raw material production cotton and sisal to help rebuild European economies.

For example the groundnut schemes (1946–1951) in Kongwa, Urambo and Nachingwea and the Sukumaland development scheme (1947–1957).

9. Cuts in Social Services.

European colonial governments reduced spending on education, health, and infrastructure in Africa due to the economic crisis caused by the war.

THE GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION (1929–1933).

The Great Depression was the deepest and longest-lasting economic downturn in the history of the Western industrialized world. 

It began in the United States and eventually affected almost every part of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Asia.

In the U.S., the crisis began after the stock market crash on Tuesday, 29th October 1929, a day that came to be known as Black Tuesday. 

The crash brought panic and made big number of investors and speculators run bankrupt.

CAUSES OF THE DEPRESSION.

After World War I, the U.S. emerged as the world’s leading industrial power.

For example, at one point, the U.S. produced 4.5 million cars, while Germany, Britain, and France combined produced only 500,000.

However, technological advancement and mass production in the U.S. led to:

• Overproduction (excess goods in the market).

• Underconsumption (low purchasing power among the masses).

As a result, demand for goods fell, industrial products piled up, and companies began to lose profits.

In 1929, due to this imbalance:

• The U.S. stock market collapsed, share prices fell drastically.

• Investors tried to sell their shares, but prices had plummeted.

The stock market crash marked the beginning of a global economic crisis known as the Great Economic Depression.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION.

1. Fall in Agricultural and Industrial Production.

Factories closed, and crop yields were wasted due to lack of markets.

2. Decline in Prices of Goods.

In the U.S., the price of wheat and other agricultural products fell sharply.

3. Massive Bank Closures.

Over 5,000 banks shut down in the U.S. alone by 1932 due to financial collapse.

4. Massive Unemployment.

By 1932, approximately more than 30 million people in the world had lost their jobs.

5. Collapse of National Income.

Countries experienced declines in Gross National Product (GNP) and overall income.

6. Low Wages and Poor Social Services.

Employers could not afford to pay workers, and governments cut spending on health, education, and welfare.

7. Starvation and Deaths.

The economic crisis led to severe food shortages, homelessness, and loss of life, especially among the poor.

CAPITALIST PRODUCTION CYCLE

The capitalist system operates in a cyclical pattern, commonly referred to as the Capitalist Production Cycle. This cycle includes four major stages:

1. Boom (Peak).

2. Crisis.

3. Depression.

4. Recovery.

1. BOOM STAGE (PEAK).

This is the period when the economy reaches its highest level of growth and prosperity. It is characterized by:

• High levels of investment.

• Very low unemployment.

• Rising standards of living.

• Social and political stability.

• Expansion of domestic and international trade.

2. CRISIS STAGE.

The crisis stage marks a sudden downturn in economic activity. It typically follows a boom and signals the beginning of a decline. Key characteristics include:

• Decrease in investment.

• Rise in unemployment.

• Drop in income levels.

• Decline in trade activity.

• Fall in commodity prices.

This stage reflects instability and uncertainty in the economy.

3. DEPRESSION STAGE.

This is the lowest point in the economic cycle and represents a severe and prolonged decline in economic activity. It is characterized by:

• Collapse of investments and business closures.

• Massive unemployment.

• Sharp decline in living standards.

• Very low consumer and business income.

• Severe economic stagnation.

In this stage, poverty increases, and confidence in the economic system is greatly weakened.

4. RECOVERY STAGE.

Recovery is the phase during which the economy begins to rebuild after a depression or recession. It shows positive signs of growth and leads back into the boom phase. Key features of this stage include:

• Gradual increase in income.

• Rise in prices and demand for goods.

• Improvement in the standard of living.

• Reopening of banks and businesses.

• Expansion of investments.

The recovery phase indicates the start of a new growth cycle.

CAUSES OF THE GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION (1929–1933).

The Great Economic Depression was caused by a combination of long-term structural weaknesses in the global capitalist economy and immediate economic shocks. These causes include:

1. Effects of World War I.

World War I severely damaged the economies of almost all European countries.

To recover, nations increased industrial and agricultural production, which led to overproduction.

However, demand remained low due to mass poverty and destruction, causing underconsumption.

Infrastructures such as roads, railways, and industries were also destroyed, causing low supply and inadequate movement of goods and services.

2. U.S. Protective Tariffs.

The United States imposed high tariffs on imported goods from Europe (e.g.Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930), to protect domestic industries from foreign goods.

In response, European countries imposed tariffs on American goods.

This reduced international trade and markets. It worsened the crisis of overproduction and pushing economies into depression.

3. Unequal Distribution of Income.

Income was unequally distributed between capitalists and workers.

Workers were paid low wages despite high levels of production.

This reduced their purchasing power, meaning they could not afford the very goods they produced.

The gap between production and consumption widened, resulting in saturated markets and eventually economic decline.

4. Collapse of the U.S. Stock Market.

The immediate cause of the Great Depression was the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange on 29th October 1929, known as Black Tuesday.

Many investors, fearing a collapse, rushed to withdraw money and sell their shares, driving down stock prices drastically.

This led to a collapse in both business and agricultural sectors, as capital dried up.

5. Speculators’ Failure to Repay Loans.

Speculators are people who invested in stocks, commodities, and real estate using borrowed money. 

These people were unable to repay their loans after the stock market crash.

This led to bank failures, financial panic, and a breakdown in credit systems, deepening the depression.

6. Nature of the Capitalist Economy.

According to economists, capitalist economies are cyclical in nature and must pass through four phases: Boom, Crisis, Depression, and Recovery.

Therefore, the Depression was a natural stage in the capitalist production cycle, especially after the long boom of the 1920's.

7. Poor Banking Structure.

In the 1920s, banks were opened rapidly and without strong regulation.

In some cases, 3–5 banks operated in a single town, leading to competition, poor lending practices, and high rates of failure.

Many banks extended bad loans, particularly to housing and real estate markets.

When depositors lost confidence, bank runs occurred, and many banks collapsed.

EFFECTS OF THE GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION ON AFRICA.

Although the Great Depression originated in the United States, it had severe and far-reaching consequences in Africa, especially because most African territories were under colonial rule at the time. 

European colonial governments transferred the burden of the economic crisis onto their colonies, leading to the following effects:

1. Drastic Fall in the Prices of Raw Materials.

The prices of African raw materials dropped sharply due to decreased demand in European markets.

For example, the price of sisal exported to Europe fell from £32 per ton to £12 per ton between 1931 and 1932.

This reduced the income of African farmers and producers.

2. Reduction in Workers’ Wages.

To cope with the crisis, colonial governments reduced wages in various sectors.

For instance, in Kenya, workers' wages fell from 36 Kenyan shillings to 10 shillings by 1930.

This weakened the purchasing power of African workers.

3. Massive Unemployment.

The economic depression led to mass retrenchments of African workers.

Colonial governments downsized armies, closed public works, and reduced the number of civil servants.

This led to increased poverty and hardship across many African communities.

4. Introduction of Agricultural Schemes.

To boost production of export crops, colonial authorities introduced large-scale agricultural schemes.

Examples include:

• Groundnut schemes in Gambia and Tanganyika.

• Cotton schemes in Sudan and Uganda.

These schemes involved forced labor or coerced participation.

5. Intensified Exploitation.

The economic crisis led to increased exploitation of African labor and resources:

• Land alienation doubled.

• New colonial taxes were introduced (e.g, hut tax and poll tax).

• Use of forced labor became increased.

• Wages were set extremely low.

These measures were intended to compensate for European economic losses.

6. Suppression of Subsistence Farming.

Africans were discouraged from growing food crops like millet, cassava, sorghum, and maize.

Instead, they were forced to grow cash crops such as cotton, coffee, cocoa, and sisal.

This policy led to food insecurity and malnutrition in some areas.

7. Decline in Social Services.

Due to the financial crisis, colonial governments cut spending on social services such as:

• Education.

• Healthcare.

• Sanitation.

This had long-term negative impacts on African development and welfare.

8. Establishment of Processing Industries.

Some processing industries were established in Africa to reduce the cost of exporting raw materials to Europe.

Examples include:

• Cotton ginneries.

• Oil refineries.

• Coffee curing plants.

These were designed to increase both the quality and quantity of raw material exports.

9. Regional Imbalances in Infrastructure Development.

The Depression led colonial governments to invest only in productive areas.

Roads and railway lines were built in regions with high agricultural or mineral output, while other areas were neglected.

This created regional inequalities in transport and infrastructure that still persist today.

MEASURES TAKEN BY COLONIAL POWERS TO ALLEVIATE THE IMPACT OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN THE COLONIES.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, colonial powers implemented several measures aimed at reviving their metropolitan economies by maximizing resource, extraction and production in the colonies. These measures included:

1. Formation and Expansion of Peasant Cooperative Societies.

Colonial authorities encouraged the formation of peasant cooperative societies,

to boost cash crop production and stabilize agricultural exports.

For example, in Tanganyika, the Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU) was formed in 1932. Similarly, the Kagera Coffee Growers Union was established to enhance coffee cultivation among African peasants.

2. Introduction of Forced Cropping and Labor.

Colonial governments intensified forced labor policies and introduced development schemes such as:

• Uluguru Land Usage Scheme.

• Mlalo Rehabilitation Scheme.

• Usukuma and Mbulu Destocking Projects

In Tanganyika, all able-bodied men were required to work on plantations for up to 12 hours daily, while local brew shops were restricted to operate only in the evening to limit idleness.

3. Removal of Restrictions on Cash Crop Cultivation.

In settler colonies like Kenya and Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), African peasants were permitted to grow previously restricted cash crops such as coffee, tea, and cotton.

This aimed to boost export volumes to cover shortages in the metropole/Europe.

4. Curriculum Reforms in African Education.

The colonial education system was revised to meet metropolitan economic demands.

Emphasis shifted to agriculture, vocational training, handcrafts, and technical skills, preparing Africans for labor-intensive roles in agriculture and industry.

5. Agricultural Support to Settlers and Peasants.

The colonial governments began offering subsidies to settlers and supplying hybrid seeds, fertilizers, and farm tools to both settlers and selected peasant farmers, so as to improve productivity

6. Development of Transport Infrastructure.

Colonial powers invested in expanding railways, harbors, and roads. The infrastructure improved access to labor reserves and markets and facilitated the efficient movement of raw materials to ports for export.

7. Expansion of the Mining Sector.

Colonial governments intensified mineral exploitation, particularly in gold, diamond, and copper mining. 

In Kenya, labor control systems like the Kipande system were tightened, with the required labor days increased from 80 to 160 annually per individual.

8. Labor Recruitment and Mobilization.

Labor bureaus were established to formalize the recruitment and mobilization of African labor. For example, in Tanganyika, the Sisal Labour Bureau (SILABU) was set up to recruit workers for sisal plantations.

Railways played a crucial role in transporting laborers from reserves to work sites.

9. Introduction of New Taxes.

New taxes were imposed, to increase colonial revenue and compel Africans into the labor market, 

• Poll Tax.

• Livestock Tax.

• Matiti Tax.

• Hut tax.

These taxes forced Africans to seek wage employment in order to afford tax payments.

THE SECOND WORLD WAR 

This was the second imperialistic fighting which broke out on Friday 1st of September in 1939 and ended in 1945. It was fought between the Axis powers, which consisted of Germany, Italy and Japan against the Allied powers or the Democratic powers namely Britain, the USSR, the USA and France.

This was the deadliest fighting that the world had ever experienced because of the use sophiscated and deadly weapons such as nuclear weapons, airplanes, tanks and machine guns.

The war in Europe ended with an invasion of Germany by the Western Allies and the Soviet Union culminating in the capture of Berlin by Soviet and Polish troops and subsequently, Germany unconditionally surrendered on 8th May 1945. 

After the Potsdam Declaration by the Allies on 26 July 1945 and the refusal of Japan to surrender under its terms, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 August and 9 August respectively. 

Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945. Thus ending the war in Asia, cementing the total victory of the Allies.

CAUSES OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR.

The outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 was a result of a combination of long-term and short-term factors. These included political, economic, and military developments in Europe and beyond.

LONG-TERM CAUSES.

1. Failure of the League of Nations to Maintain Peace.

The League of Nations was established in 1919 after World War I to maintain international peace and security. However, it failed to; 

• Prevent militarism and aggression, especially by Germany, Italy, and Japan.

• It had no standing army to enforce its decisions.

• It lacked a clear and enforceable charter for maintaining peace.

• It failed to implement the Versailles Peace Treaty effectively.

Many countries lost confidence in the League, leading to withdrawals and the formation of rival alliances like the Axis Powers. 

This ultimately created a power vacuum that encouraged aggression and led to global conflict.

2. Rise of Dictatorship Governments in Europe.

The emergence of totalitarian regimes increased global tensions:

• Fascism in Italy under Benito Mussolini (1922).

• Nazism in Germany under Adolf Hitler (1933)

These governments prioritized militarism, nationalism, and expansionism. 

Hitler's Anti-Jewish policies (the Holocaust) and aggressive foreign policies violated international agreements and created a hostile global atmosphere.

3. The Italo-Ethiopian War (Abyssinia Crisis) in 1935.

In 1935, Italy under Mussolini invaded Ethiopia (then known as Abyssinia) as part of its expansionist ambitions.

The invasion was condemned by major powers like Britain and the USSR.

The League of Nations failed to stop Italy, revealing its weakness.

This encouraged other aggressors like Germany and Japan, accelerating the road to war.

4. Effects of the Great Economic Depression (1929–1933).

The global economic crisis caused mass poverty, unemployment, and social unrest, especially in Europe.

It created a political forum for extremist leaders like Hitler and Mussolini, who promised recovery and national pride.

Once in power, they pursued aggressive militarization instead of economic reform.

Thus, economic hardship contributed directly to the world political chaos.

5. Spanish Civil War (1936–1939).

The Spanish Civil War involved the republican (democratic) forces against right-wing rebels.

Hitler and Mussolini supported the rebels and used the war to test their weapons and military strategies.

Their collaboration strengthened their alliance and created hostility with the Allied powers.

This war acted as a rehearsal for World War II and strengthened fascist cooperation.

6. Failure of the Appeasement Policy.

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain adopted a policy of appeasement to avoid conflict by making concessions to Germany.

Hitler was given loans, debt pardons, and allowed to violate the Treaty of Versailles.

Instead of being satisfied, Hitler continued expanding and rearming.

The failure of appeasement showed that aggression could not be stopped by negotiation, encouraging further expansionism.

7. Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941).

Although the war began in Europe in 1939, the global nature of the conflict was intensified by Japan’s attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941.

This surprise attack led the United States to enter the war, joining with Britain and the USSR against the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan).

IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR.

8. Germany’s Invasion of Poland.

The immediate cause of the Second World War was Germany’s invasion of Poland on 1st September 1939 at 11:00 AM.

Following this aggressive move, Britain and France demanded that Adolf Hitler withdraw his troops from Polish territory.

Hitler ignored the ultimatum.

As a result, Britain declared war on Germany, and France followed on the same day, marking the official outbreak of World War II.

EFFECTS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR

GENERAL EFFECTS.

1. Depopulation and Loss of Human Life.

The war resulted in massive loss of lives among both soldiers and civilians.

Deadly weapons, especially atomic bombs, caused extensive casualties.

On 6th August 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and on 9th August 1945, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

These bombings led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and long-term radiation effects.

2. Formation of the United Nations (UN).

On 24th October 1945, the United Nations Organization (UNO) was established, replacing the League of Nations.

Its primary aim was to maintain global peace and security and prevent the outbreak of another world war.

3. Beginning of the Cold War.

World War II led to the emergence of two superpowers:

• The USA (Capitalist bloc).

• The USSR (Socialist bloc).

This resulted in the Cold War, a period of political and military tension between the two blocs, characterized by:

• Arms race.

• Ideological competition.

• Proxy wars.

However, it did not involve direct warfare between the two superpowers.

4. Rise of Nationalism and Decolonization.

The war inspired nationalist movements across colonized regions, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Many ex-soldiers who had fought in the war became politically active, For Instance Dedan Kimath and General China in Kenya.

They formed political parties and liberation movements that demanded independence.

The Pan-Africanism movement also gained momentum.

5. Division of Germany and the Berlin Wall.

After the war, Germany was divided into:

• East Germany (GDR) – Socialist, under Soviet control.

• West Germany (FRG) – Capitalist, supported by Western allies.

This division culminated in the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, symbolizing the ideological differences during the Cold War.

6. Decline in Production.

World War II caused:

•  Destruction of industries and infrastructure.

• Decline in agricultural and manufacturing output.

• Severe economic instability in war-torn countries.

7. Social Suffering and Public Health Crises.

The war brought about:

• Famine and hunger.

• Outbreaks of communicable diseases (e.g., cholera) due to poor sanitation.

• Displacement of many people.

• Psychological trauma and breakdown of families.

8. Global Insecurity and Loss of Peace.

The war severely disrupted global peace and security. Countries were left in fear of future conflict.

The experience led to international efforts for peacebuilding, including diplomacy and international cooperation through the UN.

EFFECTS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR (WWII) ON AFRICA.

Although most battles of the Second World War were not directly fought on African soil, Africa was significantly affected both directly and indirectly, with both positive and negative consequences.

1. Depopulation.

Many African men were recruited as soldiers to fight on the side of Britain and other Allied powers.

The war took away many strong and energetic men from their communities.

A large number of African soldiers died in combat, leading to population loss and labor shortages in their home countries.

2. Rise of Mass Nationalism.

The war ignited strong nationalist movements in Africa.

Returned ex-soldiers had gained military skills, exposure to international politics, and awareness of global rights.

Upon returning home, they questioned colonialism and formed or joined nationalist movements and political parties.

Examples include Dedan Kimathi and General China in Kenya, who became key figures in the anti-colonial struggle.

3. Increased Colonial Exploitation.

To rebuild their war-damaged economies, colonial powers intensified exploitation in Africa through:

• Forced labor.

• Heavy taxation.

• Land alienation.

• Low wages.

This economic exploitation worsened the conditions of African workers and farmers.

4. Lack of Peace and Security.

The war caused general instability and fear among African populations.

Many regions experienced disruption of production and daily life due to recruitment, forced labor, or fear of foreign attacks.

This led to social and economic stagnation in many areas.

5. Family Separation and Social Suffering.

Many African families were torn apart due to the recruitment of male members into foreign armies.

This resulted in emotional trauma, social disruption, and long-term suffering, especially among women and children left behind.

6. Development of Import Substitution Industries.

To reduce reliance on imports from Europe, colonial governments encouraged local production of goods in Africa.

Consumer goods such as cigarettes, beverages, butter, chocolate, and processed meats began to be produced locally.

This marked the beginning of import substitution industries in Africa.

7. Support from the United Nations Organization (UNO).

The United Nations was formed on 24th October 1945, two months after the war.

It replaced the League of Nations and played a key role in supporting African independence movements.

Many newly independent African states later joined the UN to gain global recognition and support.

8. Spread of Socialist Ideology.

The USSR, as a major victor of WWII, influenced many newly independent countries in Africa.

Socialist ideology began to spread, promoting equality, state ownership, and self-reliance.

Example: Tanzania adopted the policy of Ujamaa (Socialism and Self-Reliance) in 1967 under Julius Nyerere.

9. Intensification of Cash Crop Production Campaigns.

Colonial governments launched agricultural schemes to increase cash crop output, aiming to raise revenue.

Examples include:

• Sukuma Cotton Scheme.

• Nachingwea Groundnut Scheme.

Master farms were also established in rural areas to supply raw materials for export to Europe.

10. Transition from Mandate to Trusteeship Colonies.

After the war, former mandated territories under the League of Nations were transferred to UN Trusteeship status.

These colonies were to be prepared for self-rule and eventual independence.

The UN Trusteeship Council monitored their progress toward political freedom.

The Second World War, shaped Africa’s political, social, and economic system. 

Finally,

The Capitalist crises shaped global and specifically African history through their outcomes, making them an important topic of study in African curiculums.