(a) Define nationalism.
(b) What factors aided the growth of nationalism in Nigeria?
(a) Nationalism has to do with the strong emotional awareness individuals possess of belonging to a nation/state which results in the struggle against colonialism and domination.
(b) Factors that aided the growth of Nationalism in Nigeria include:
(i) Discrimination: The European officials discriminated against Nigerians, for example, in the civil services.
(ii) The Impact of the second world war: The myth claimed to have surrounded white supremacy was exposed and broken. The ex-service men that fought the war alongside the white-men made this revealing exposure.
(iii)The Atlantic Charters: This charter was signed by the British Prime Minister and the President of U.S.A. The Charter gave the people of the world irrespective of race, colour, etc, the right to self-determination.
(iv) British Labour Party: The party was not supportive of the policies of the conservative party towards colonization.
(v) Individuals and Organisations: Some organisations and individuals played crucial roles towards the growth of nationalism, for example, Creoles/ freed slaves, some Americans, etc.
(vi) Elective principle: This principle was introduced in 1922 by Clifford Constitution.
(vii) Educated elites: Some educated Nigerians in the persons of Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, H.O. Davies, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, etc, were highly instrumental to the growth of Nationalism in Nigeria.
(viii) Evolution of Newspapers: Newspapers like the West African Pilot published by Nnamdi Azikwe and Lagos Daily News by Herbert Macaulay contributed a lot towards nationalist activities.
(ix) Super Powers: The emergence of U.S.A and the Soviet Union as the super powers greatly influenced the activities of the nationalists. These powers detested and spoke against colonialism.
(x) U.N.O: The U.N.O acted as a forum for most countries to condemn the activities of some colonial powers, e.g Britain, France, etc.
(xi) Independence of some countries: The independence of India in 1947 and that of Ghana in 1957 acted as a motivation to the growth of nationalism in Nigeria.
(xii) Establishment of political parties: NNDP, as a party and the role of pressure groups e.g the. Railway Workers Union, were useful towards this cause.
(xiii) Influence of Schools and Christianity: Establishment of schools and the influence of Christianity helped the nationalists to see that God has created all men equal.
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