africa

  • The Realities Of Military Service: Part I

    During World War II, African colonial soldiers faced severe discrimination and abuse, highlighting systemic racism within British military ranks. Despite their critical contributions and sacrifices, veterans like Eusebio Mbiuki and Joseph Hinga recalled brutal treatment, lower pay, and the disregard for their dignity. Their experiences underscore the injustices endured by these soldiers.

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  • Exploitative Recruitment: African Soldiers in Colonial Armies

    Revisiting the topic of recruitment from a previous post, as the factors behind African colonial soldiers’ enlistment remain a subject of debate. While some historians emphasize the economic benefits of military service, others highlight coercion, arguing that colonial authorities manipulated economic instability and governance systems to maintain recruitment levels. These perspectives are not mutually exclusive…

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  • WW2 and Self-Determination: Did African Veterans Become Anti-Colonial Nationalists?

    After the war, it is unclear what African veterans did, and many still ask the question: did their service in the war end have any benefits for them?  A lot has been written about how WW2 was the beginning of the end of the colonization of Africa. Two new superpowers emerged after WW2. They were…

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