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Social Impact

The Second World War had an enormous social impact across Africa, in a similar way to other parts of the world. Colonies had to provide food and materials for export, as well as for domestic consumption, and manpower to support the Armed Forces. These competing demands for manpower contributed to shortages in some countries, for example, crop failure in Kenya resulting in a famine in 1943. Uganda provided 11,000 tons of food to Kenya to help prevent disaster, while 120,000 Ugandans served in the Armed forces between 1939 and 1944. In October 1944 there were approximately 60,000 Ugandans serving in the Armed Forces, which was about 10 percent of the men eligible to serve.


A sisal baling machine at work © IWM (K 3054)

This mobilisation of manpower and the economy was both an opportunity and a threat to different people at the same time. It provided education, better wages and opportunities to escape social situations.

On the other hand, it threatened the social order and existing structure of indigenous tribes. In addition, some people were conscripted (which meant they had no choice but to work in certain industries or serve in certain parts of the Armed Forces). For instance, 100,000 Nigerians were conscripted to dig tin on the Jos Plato and 84,000 Africans were conscripted to help produce Sisal, a material for making rope, rubber and pyrethrum.


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DID YOU KNOW…?

Countries in Africa faced rationing in the same way that Britain did, for example…

  • Rice was rationed in Zanzibar

  • Maize was rationed in Zambia

  • Tea and Sugar were rationed across Africa


© IWM (K 5300) EAST AFRICAN SOLDIERS LEARN BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

When recruiting for the Armed Forces, the War Office limited the number of Europeans who could be recruited. East Africa Command took the view that the people it was recruiting would therefore need to be educated as they would be filling roles such as clerks, medical orderlies, signalers, teachers, censors, gunners, engineers and tradespeople, in short, all the types of jobs and skills that are needed to make an Army function.  The East Africa Command formed its own education corps to undertake this and in so doing the Army became the third largest educational institution in the region. The Army paid better wages and offered better opportunities than most other institutions and employers in Africa. 


© IWM (K 5789)

The reasons people joined armies were similar in Africa as they were across the world. In addition to conscription, this included fear, a sense of loyalty to their country, betterment of their lives, opportunities to access education, higher wages and to do something they perceived to be exciting and meaningful. Propaganda was used which caused people to fear a threat to their communities and encouraged individuals to join and make a difference in the world.

The countries that participated alongside Allied troops were key to winning the Second World War and the outcome may have been different without their support, militarily, economically and socially.

After the war was over, the sense of pride, organisation, education and structure led to the beginnings of the independence of many countries.


With all of this information in mind, could you create a poem, speech, song or piece of artwork that recognises and celebrates the contributions made by African soldiers and communities? Be sure to enter it into our International Competition and tick the ‘A Fight for Freedom’ box on the entry form. We can’t wait to see the thought-provoking work that will be created.


SECOND WORLD WAR CONTENTS:

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AFRICAN CONTRIBUTIONS CONTENTS: