Editing Africa (section)

=== Independence struggles ===

African independence movements grew during the early and mid-20th century. The First World War, the Second World War, economic change, urbanization, education, labor organization, and global anti-colonial ideas all contributed to nationalist politics.

In North Africa, independence struggles included political negotiation, armed conflict, and mass mobilization. In sub-Saharan Africa, several colonies achieved independence through political organization and constitutional transition, while others experienced prolonged wars. Ghana became one of the first sub-Saharan colonies to gain independence in 1957, followed by many others during the 1960s.

Portugal's African colonies, including Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, gained independence after long liberation struggles and the political changes in Portugal in 1974. Southern Africa remained shaped by white minority rule, settler politics, apartheid, and liberation movements for several more decades.

The Organization of African Unity was established in 1963 to support decolonization, defend sovereignty, and promote continental cooperation. It later became the [[African Union]] in 2002.