As nations in Africa gained independence from colonial powers, some made relatively smooth transitions to self-rule while others experienced violence and upheaval. In some nations, the violence continues even today.

In a 4-paragraph essay explain some of the major problems that African nations ran into in their attempts to gain independence and successfully build and maintain their own nations.

Use specific details. For example: If you claim that new nations were hindered by outside influences, such as that of the United States and the Soviet Union, then you need to identify which African nations this occurred in and how it affected them. If you claim that ethnic diversity in new nations caused civil war, then you need to identify which countries this occurred in and why it occurred.

Topics that you might consider (focus on 1-2):

1. Ethnic and/or religious conflict
2. Poverty and disease
3. Soviet and American intervention
4. European nations unwilling to give up their colonies
5. Bloody rebellions
6. Political instability

Countries worth mentioning (focus on 2-3):

1. Ghana
2. Algeria
3. Kenya
4. The Congo
5. Angola
6. South Africa
7. Uganda
8. Sudan