The history and historiography of the African participation in
the first and second World Wars. Africans participated in the
European, Asian, and African theaters of the wars. Examination
of themes such as European imperialism, racism, and
African anti-colonial resistance.
Athena Title
Africa in the World Wars
Prerequisite
Any HIST course or ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S or ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1102S or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the history of Africa in the two world wars by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of Africa between the World Wars shaped diverse social and cultural attitudes toward race, empire, and anti-imperialism, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
Week One: Introduction to the course and Africa
Week Two: European Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa
Week Three: European Armies of African Soldiers
Week Four: World War I and African Conscription
Week Five: World War I and the African Theatre
Week Six: World War I and African Soldiers Abroad
Week Seven: World War I and the Ideology of Race and Colonialism
Week Eight: Africa and the Interwar Period
Week Nine: The Invasion of Ethiopia and the Clouds of World War
Week Ten: World War II and African Conscription
Week Eleven: World War II and the African Theater
Week Twelve: World War II and African Soldiers Abroad
Week Thirteen: World War II and the African Soldier's Story
Week Fourteen: World War and Anti-Imperialism
Week Fifteen: The African Veterans and African Independence
Week Sixteen: Analyzing Africa's Role in the World Wars
