African Independence
How Africa Shapes the World
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- USD 33.99
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- USD 33.99
Descripción editorial
African Independence is a dynamic discussion of how Africa shapes world events today. Tukufu Zuberi weaves interview excerpts and stories from many Africans he has met—from refugees to heads of state—with key events in African history to show the importance of understanding Africa today.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this pleasant and accessible study, Zuberi, an academic and host of the PBS series History Detectives, guides readers through the historical and current straits of the vast continent of Africa. Zuberi documents the decisive role played by African soldiers in WWII and argues that the war's savagery exposed "the myth of civilized Europe and barbaric Africa." Though the Allied victory was "forged with considerable African sacrifice," much of the continent remained in European imperial hands. However, African participation in the defeat of the Axis powers rekindled anti-colonial aspirations, resulting in a series of uprisings and growing international support for decolonization. Regrettably, the Cold War derailed national independence movements and the continent again became "locked in a death grip" by brutal military dictatorships supported by either the U.S. or the U.S.S.R. The era of globalization witnessed progress in such countries as South Africa, but lingering ethnic tensions stoked by colonial authorities and ruling elites erupted in bloodshed in Rwanda and Kenya. With appearances by a long roster of "history makers" including activists, leaders, and freedom fighters Zuberi's work is a well-researched and informed, if selective, story of the making of modern Africa, and constitutes an impassioned plea to recognize the continent for more than the trouble it has endured. Maps and photos.